What is Sweet itch?

Antihistamines may bring some relief, but increasing high doses are required and the effects are variable. They can make the horse drowsy and, therefore, are not ideal for long-term use.

A highly successful form of prevention is the Boett Blanket (available from The National Sweet Itch Centre, Tel: 07825 152490 www.itchyhorse.co.uk) which offers maximum body coverage. Recommended by many Vets and even covered by many insurance companies on the alternative therapy part of their policy.

BioPlus capsules have been available for several years based on bacterial protein that are designed to re-educate the immune response (immunotherapy), good results are being reported. (available from The National Sweet Itch Centre, www.itchyhorse.co.uk)

Approximately five per cent of equines in the UK suffer from sweet itch. It results from hypersensitivity against salivary antigens from biting midges (Culicoides) and, to a lesser extent, the larger Simulium equinum, a member of the black fly family.

It is a common and well-described seasonal allergic dermatitis between March and October, reflecting the presence of insects and may affect all equine species. Intervention should begin as early as possible in the season – the climate appears to be playing havoc with our seasons, and our milder and damper winters are allowing the midge breeding season to start earlier (midges were seen in January this year).

Typically, sufferers can be observed excessively rubbing and scratching the mane, tail, withers, head, back and belly, or, in severe cases, the whole body. This persistent, selfinflicted trauma can cause damage, such as scaling, excoriation, hair breakage, alopecia, hives and ulcerations. The skin will become thickened and ridged if this pattern is repeated yearly and the risk of secondary infection is high. Other signs include lethargy or agitation, lack of concentration and head shaking. Weight loss is another possible clinical sign in severe cases. It is thought signs will worsen with age.

It is widely documented there is no cure for sweet itch; the only true prevention is to completely eliminate the insects’ contact with the horse. Culicoides have a short flying distance of 100 metres and their breeding sites are wet soil, moist, decaying vegetation, clay soil and marsh land, so where possible, sufferers should be kept away from muck heaps, old hay, rotting leaves, streams and wet ground. Windy hillsides, chalk-based grassland or coastal areas are unsuitable environments for Culicoides, making them useful turnout environments for sweet itch cases.

Stabling at dawn and dusk is often advised but horses can do themselves more damage whilst stabled, as the environment lends itself to areas they can rub on. A good sweet- itch rug (Boett) with good protection and leaving the horse out in a suitable environment is preferable.

The development and science behind this product and the work of Professor Stanford (BioEos) can be seen on this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jh6lj4D4-f0

These improve general health, reduced stress, stronger immune systems and resistance to disease. Visit www.itchyhorse.co.uk

THE NATIONAL SWEET-ITCH CENTRE

Tel: 07825 152490 email: info@itchyhorse.co.uk