Companion Animals

Horse Sweet Itch: Allergic Skin Welfare

Sweet itch, an allergic reaction to Culicoides midge bites, causes intense pruritus and distress in susceptible horses throughout the midge season.

Key Facts

Sweet itch affects approximately 5% of UK horses with significant genetic susceptibility
Affected horses rub mane, tail, and body areas raw in response to intense itching
Prevention requires physical barriers, insecticides, and stabling at midge activity peaks
New immunotherapy approaches are showing promise for long-term desensitisation

Welfare Considerations

Sweet itch causes severe, chronic discomfort for affected horses throughout the spring and summer months. The itching is so intense that horses cause self-injury in their attempts to relieve it. Effective management combines multiple prevention strategies and requires significant owner commitment.

What You Can Do

Use sweet itch rugs, barrier creams, and stabling at dawn and dusk to reduce midge exposure
Consult your vet about antihistamine and corticosteroid options for severe cases
Join support networks for sweet itch management to access the latest prevention advice