Sweet Itch is a curse for many a horse owner. Indeed, this problematical skin affliction is not confined to just horses, it can also be a source of irritation for all equines. Spanning up to twenty-six weeks each year, depending on climatic conditions, Sweet Itch keeps many a horse owner in a state of constant worry for their charges.
The one question that many horse owners ask is what causes sweet itch? Further details can be found by clicking on this link.
The Culicoides genus of midges is the principle cause of Sweet Itch. These insects are parasitic by nature. Feeding by sucking blood from their victims, the midges deposit a minute quantity of saliva at the site of the puncture wound.
Unfortunately, this midge saliva may produce an autoimmune response in your pony, horse or donkey. Once hypersensitivity has set in, all the classic signs of an allergic reaction result. Indeed, because of its all-embracing nature, the condition is sometimes referred to as equine Sweet itch.
That swarms of midges are the chief cause of Sweet Itch is amply demonstrated by the case of Madeira Island (for futher details click here for a complete guide). This tourist island situated in the Atlantic is almost devoid of midges and not many horses are subject to the curse of Sweet Itch here.
There are some 20 different species of the Culicoides midge, and each favours a particular part of the horse’s body to bite. Horses are most vulnerable to bites at the tail head and under the mane. In and around the head, along the dorsal spinal area and the rump are also popular midge bite sites. Other regions of the body that are less likely to be subjected to Sweet Itch are the horse’s chest, belly and legs.
Other insects are also known to induce, or worsen, symptoms of Sweet Itch.
There are simply hundreds of species of Black Fly, but those belonging to the genus Simulium are frequently linked to Sweet Itch. An interesting episode of insect infestation occurred at Blandford in Dorset, United Kingdom during the 1960s and 1970s. The Simulium posticatum species of midge caused rising health concerns. Since then, this species of midge has be known of by the name Blandford fly.
Horse flies, horn flies, stable flies and mosquito bites have all be suspect of precipitating the hypersensitivity that develops into Sweet Itch. Despite the presence of these other threats, it is acknowledged that the Culicoides midge is the Chief culprit.
The Culicoides midge breeds during the warmer months and its extent of activity is dependent upon weather conditions. Identical to all insects, the midge is cold blooded and is most active when the temperature is higher. The midge also requires stretches of calm water, boggy areas or, at the very least, moist conditions to complete its life-cycle.
The ideal time of the day for the midges is from dusk to dawn. The ideal conditions are warm with little wind.
The good news is that not all horses suffer from Sweet Itch. Many horses spend their entire life blissfully without showing any signs of suffering hypersensitivity to insect bites.
The vast majority of the popular Deet and Benzyl Benzoate based formulations used to keep Sweet Itch in check leave the horse keeper’s hands rough, sore and cracked. Derma Shield (info) is a superior quality hand protection mousse lotion that offers a preventative measure for this.
Enjoy the summertime and be free of Sweet Itch.