Animal Welfare Hub

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Sweet Itch Prevention: Year-Round Welfare Strategy

A comprehensive year-round prevention strategy for sweet itch in horses and ponies, minimising welfare impact through proactive management.

Key Facts

Prevention of sweet itch must begin before midge season to be most effective
Culicoides midges are most active at dawn and dusk, especially in warm, humid weather
Barrier methods (specialist fly rugs) reduce midge access to sensitive skin areas
Stabling during peak midge activity periods significantly reduces exposure
Topical repellents applied regularly provide additional protection
Immunotherapy can reduce allergen sensitivity over 3-5 years of treatment

Welfare Considerations and Management

Year-round sweet itch prevention focuses on reducing Culicoides midge exposure before sensitisation triggers the allergic cascade. Specialist sweet itch rugs covering belly, neck, and face are the most effective physical barrier. Stabling at dawn and dusk removes horses from peak midge activity periods. Citronella and DEET-based repellents repel midges from exposed areas. Fans in stables reduce midge landing. Annual allergen-specific immunotherapy injections progressively reduce sensitivity.

What You Can Do

Apply specialist sweet itch rugs at the beginning of the midge season, before signs appear
Stable horses during dawn and dusk throughout midge season from March to November
Apply repellents to exposed areas (belly, mane base, tailhead) regularly
Discuss allergen-specific immunotherapy with your vet for long-term desensitisation