Companion Animals

Companion Horse Sweet Itch Management

Sweet itch is a chronic, intensely itchy allergic skin condition affecting horses, caused by hypersensitivity to midge bites.

Key Facts

Sweet itch is caused by an IgE-mediated response to Culicoides midge saliva
Affected horses rub until skin is raw and hair is lost
Symptoms are seasonal, peaking during midge activity in summer
Prevention requires fly rugs covering the mane, belly, and tail areas
Allergen-specific immunotherapy offers some horses long-term relief

Welfare Considerations

Sweet itch causes intense and relentless itching that drives horses to self-mutilate through rubbing. Affected horses are significantly distressed throughout the midge season. Prevention through physical barriers and stable management during peak midge activity periods substantially reduces suffering.

What You Can Do

Use properly fitting sweet itch rugs covering all sensitive areas
Stable horses during peak midge activity at dawn and dusk
Ask your vet about allergen immunotherapy for severely affected horses