What is Sweet Itch

Sweet-itch, IBH-Insect Bite Hypersensitivity (the technical term) or Seasonal Recurrent Dermatitis,is a condition in horses, ponies and donkeys that makes the Spring, Summer and Autumn a nightmare for horses and owners.

Sweet-itch is caused by an allergic response to the saliva from insect bites – especially from the Culicoides midges and a type of black fly, this can present as early as February and continue into late November and re-occurs every year.

This problem is known to affect up to 10% of the horses and ponies in the UK, it is also found in Australia, known there as Queensland Itch, the US , Canada and in many other parts of the world.