Sweet Itch
By Linda Kennard of NAF
It has been yet another mild winter and summer is now upon us. This means that those summer ailments are arriving. It also means that the larvae of spring and summer parasites have survived. Being prepared and choosing prevention over cure is the key.
THE CAUSE
Sweet Itch or Summer Seasonal Recurrent Dermatitis (SSRD) is an allergic reaction to the bite of airborne insects of the Culicoides species.
Culicoides midge's larvae develop in moist, wet, damp soils, areas of pond edges, slow moving streams and where there is decaying vegetation. All of these are favoured breeding sites. Several generations can be produced in one year.
Culicoides adults are more active at twilight hours in calm conditions. They are generally poor fliers and will not feed if the wind is too strong or during rainy periods. However, during humid days with cloud cover they may feed at any time.
Culicoides midges breeding time can be from late March until the end of September.
THE SYMPTOMS
Sweet Itch is a form of dermatitis and is an allergic reaction to the saliva of the culicoides midges when they puncture the skin to feed.
Due to the horses allergy to the bite there is an increase in the free radical (naturally occurring toxins found in the body) production within the horse's body. Healthy tissue is destroyed and the cell damage causes the symptoms of sweet itch.
The symptoms include inflammation of the skin around the areas of the neck, withers, dock and in severe cases the underside of the belly.
This inflammation can lead to the skin becoming very itchy which leads the horse to starting rubbing against trees, fencing or anything that helps to relieve the irritation. This rubbing can then cause hair loss with the skin becoming broken which results in bleeding.
Sweet Itch is not contagious, although if the conditions are right for the culicoides midge's more than one horse sharing the same grazing may show the same symptoms.
MANAGEMENT
At the present there is no cure for sweet itch. This means that spring, summer and autumn can become a nightmare for some horses and their owners.
Good management of the symptoms can help to keep horses comfortable. Where possible marshy and boggy fields should be avoided. Grazing should also be kept away from ponds, streams, muck heaps and rotting vegetation.
If possible horses should be stabled at the midges prime feeding times at dawn and dusk. The use of a light summer sheet or fly sheet is also valuable in preventing the midges from coming into contact with the coat.
Steroid injections and Benzyl Benzoate have been used to try and reduce the inflammation and pain. However, long term use of these products is not always advisable.
The use of a fly and insect repellent can be helpful. When using these products it is advisable to look for products that include essential oils. The use of garlic is also an effective way of keeping insects away.
Another key approach is to work from the inside out. Recent research has shown that the use of antioxidants within the diet can lessen the effects of conditions such as sweet itch.
Antioxidants have the ability to neutralise the free radicals (toxins) allowing them to be safely excreted from the body. This helps to reduce the irritation associated with sweet itch.
By combining good management practices with nutritional therapy many owners have found that the severity of sweet itch can often be reduced. However, being prepared is the key and action needs to be taken before the problems escalate.
Recommended NAF Products:
D-Itch: Is rich in natural antioxidants such as hawthorn and ginger, for use where oxidative damage from free radicals is seen.
D-Itch Lotion: A soothing lotion for damaged skin
Midge-Off: A lotion specially formulated to help ward off midges that can irate horses and cause irritation.
NAF-OFF Extra Fly Spray: A combination of natural oils combined with garlic, teatree and aloe vera to repel airborne parasites.
For further information visit your local NAF stockist, call the NAF Freephone advice line: 0800 373 106, email info@naf-uk.com or visit www.naf-uk.com
