Sweet itch is one of the most common seasonal skin conditions affecting horses and ponies in the UK and other temperate climates. It is a hypersensitivity reaction to insect bites, most commonly from biting midges (Culicoides species). Although not life-threatening, it can significantly impact a horse’s comfort, behaviour, and quality of life if not properly managed. Itchy horse What is Sweet Itch? Sweet itch, also known as equine insect hypersensitivity, is an allergic react

The Complexity of Sweet Itch Two horses can graze side by side in the same pasture. One barely reacts, while the other develops severe lesions. Why does this happen? Research in equine dermatology consistently shows that the amount of insect exposure is not the main determinant of reaction severity. Sweet itch is an immune-mediated hypersensitivity. This means it is the horse’s own immune response — not the bite itself — that drives inflammation, pruritus, and skin lesions. T