Sweet itch is an immune system disease where the equine has an allergic reaction to insect bites and saliva when the bitten will rub himself injurying the skin. However it only occurs from March to October and is not life threatening but is unsightly and very distressing for the equine. 5% of of the horse population in UK are effected including all breeds from shetlands to draft horses. It is also known as Summer Seasonal Recurrent Dermatitis (SSRD), Queensland Itch, Sommer Ekzem, Kasen and is caused by the Culicoides midge (see "The Enemy" post) and rarely the Simulium Equinum which are ear feeders.
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Hi Laura our horse also suffers from sweet itch. The only thing that we have found to keep it at bay is Nettex Itch stop. If we keep applying it regularly throughout from about March to October it really stops the symptoms This winter we are going to put brewers yeast in her feed to see if that gives her a good start for next years 'sweet itch season' Keep up your Blog and good luck.
Hi Jackie I have found that Nettex is very greasy for me personally however I used to use it to some success so I agree it is good it just destroyed my bridle and headcollars with its greasiness but thanks for sharing your advice and hopefully I will be adding more info on products fairly soon keep checking for updates ;)
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