The following text is reproduced form a leaflet of the Horse Breeders Association of Iceland with kind permission of the publisher.
Publisher:
Bændahöll við Hagatorg
107 REYKJAVÍK
ISLAND
Tel.: (+354) 563 0300
Fax: (+354) 562 5211
E-Mail: f.hrb@bi.bondi.is
Text: Hulda G. Geirsdóttir
Veterinary consultant: Sigríður Björnsdóttir
English and German text by the publishers
French, Italian, Portuguese and Spanish translations: Übersetzer Gruppe Zürich, CH-8049 Zürich, info@ugz.ch
Photos in the original folder: Hulda G. Geirsdóttir, Páll Stefánsson and others
Design: Tómas Tómasson. Printing: Svansprent ehf.
Copyright 1999 by the Horse Breeders Association of Iceland. No portion of this brochure may be reproduced without the written permission by the publishers.
Sweet Itch does not have to be a problem
What is Sweet Itch?
Sweet Itch (summer eczema) is an allergic reaction to bites from a midge called Culicoides. Sweet Itch can affect all breeds of horses, but is non-contagious. The symptoms are easily recognised: intense itching along the top line, especially mane and tail, which can lead to baldness and sores on the skin as the horse rubs the affected areas. Itching can also be present along the abdomen and under the belly.
How can I protect my horse?
You need to take responsibility and action in order to protect your horse. You have to target the problem, that is, the midges themselves. They are usually active from March to October so during these months you need to follow these guidelines:
- Avoid turning your horse out during the morning and evening (dusk and dawn) hours when the midges are most active. If you have to keep them out at these times it is absolutely necessary that the horses can seek shelter from the midges, preferably in a dark, cool shed. The midges will not go into the dark and are not active overnight. The best shelter you could provide would be a dark stable where the horses can go in and out at will. Any openings should be protected by a fly mesh with at least 20 holes per cm (50 per inch). The entrance should preferably consist of overlapping, heavy plastic strips like those used in freezing plants.
Fliegen- und Mückenschutzvorhang im Eingang von Offenställen
Strokengordijn voor de stalingang
Curtain stripes as fly and mosquito protection
- Use a protective rug, such as the Boett® rug, which is made from breathable polyester material and protects the horse from the bites of the midge. There are several different variations available, but the so-called "pyjama" is probably the best choice. The animal must wear the rug 24 hours a day as long as the temperature is 12 °C (54 °F) or higher. The horse should not wear the rug while out riding. Horses wearing a rug, should also be able to go into a dark shelter.
- Avoid wetlands and choose your turning-out and grazing pastures carefully. Use high, well-drained pasture, away from water (where the midges breed and are present in high numbers). Pastures near the seaside or high up, 800-1,000 meters above sea level are ideal because the midges do not thrive there. Windy areas are good because the midges are bad flyers and are therefore more likely to occur where there is little or no wind.
- Consult a veterinarian immediately if you think your horse is developing Sweet Itch. He/she can provide drugs which will reduce the itching and the resultant skin damage and help you with future treatment/prevention. If you take steps to prevent Sweet Itch any sores which have already developed should soon heal up.
- Fly repellants may help as well as many other sprays, powders and ointments. Feeding garlic or garlic powder during the midge season has also been reported to help. Consult your veterinarian for information on the above.
- Recent studies show that environmental factors play a key role in the development of Sweet Itch. Therefore you have to assess the environment in which you plan to keep your horses and take action in accordance with your situation.
Prevention is better than treatment!
TAKE ACTION
Protect your horse from Sweet Itch
IT IS UP TO YOU!
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