June 21st, 2013 by Shaun Day

Sweet Itch is caused by an allergic reaction to the saliva of midges. It mainly affects horses.

What causes Sweet Itch? 

Sweet Itch causes seasonal nightmares for horses and horse owners every year. The blistering is caused by the horse incorrectly releasing excessive amounts of the chemical histamine. This is a reaction to the presence of the midge saliva. According to Agropharm Ltd, 5% of horses suffer from Sweet Itch in the UK to some extent. The condition will worsen year upon year unless treated. The signs of infection are highlighted by the Sweet Itch Organisation website, we've summarised them: Sweet Itch symptoms are the following:

• Hair loss on rump, tail and mane
• Crusting of the skin
• Oozing of the ski

Sweet Itch on a horse The constant distress highlights the serious consequences the Sweet Itch virus can have...  

How to prevent Sweet Itch? 

Hundreds of temporary preventative measures are available in the UK at the moment. It includes Sweet Itch hoods, sprays and fans in stables to prevent midges. Sweet Itch Hood Unfortunately, none of these are sustainable or particularly comforting to the horse. It is not a permanent solution to the virus.  

How to treat Sweet Itch?

Agropharm, a renowned UK manufacturer of Pest Control, have developed a Sweet Itch treatment to be applied directly onto horses. Neem Pro Riddance acts as an anti feedant and repellent. It basically repels the midges from horses and cattle that cause the virus.   Neem Pro Riddance has also been used on cattle to tackle the Schmallenberg virus and hasbeen recommended by numerous industry experts and trusted national papers such as:

• The Telegraph
• The Farmers Weekly
• The Farmers Guardian
• The YourHorse.co.uk
• The Country Small Holding

 And lots more...     Again, by repelling the culicoides midges that spread the virus, we have managed to reduce still births in cattle on farms across the country. Neem Pro Riddance has already being successful. For example, here is a question sent to the vet Pete Wedderburn from a pony owner and Mr. Wedderburn's answer published in the Telegraph):

• Question: (JP from Yorkshire, UK)

My pony suffers from sweet itch every summer when flies and midges come out. Is there anything I can do to prevent the problem rather than waiting till she has skin that’s so sore and itchy that I need to call the vet?

• Answer:   (Veterinary Pete Wedderburn)

You should discuss this with your vet who will be aware of particular risk factors that are important in your area. In general, it's worth doing anything that reduces the number of flying insects that are near her: housing her inside at peak fly times can help, and getting rid of any standing water close to her field will also be useful. You could also use fly catching strips in her stable, as well as anti-insect formulations applied directly to your pony. Neem Pro Riddance (Hygiene Supplies Direct, £9.95 for 100ml) is an organic water-based product specifically designed to prevent midge bites. It also reduces the incidence of sweet itch. The active ingredient is Neem oil, derived from the Neem tree, indigenous to southern Asia. It’s a safe product which is easy to apply: regular use throughout the summer could help.

Instructions about the Neem Pro Riddance:

• As stated, Neem Pro Riddance is to applied as needed to horses and is fantastically sustainable with a dilution rate with water of 1:50.
• The active ingredient does not penetrate the animal's skin, but dissolves into the skin oils, giving long term protection up to 6 weeks.
• Within hours it repels midges from further feeding and egg laying.
• Within a few days, the infection is dramatically reduced mainly due to the anti feedant effect.

  If you think your cattle, horses or ponies are suffering form Sweet Itch, contact your vet immediately to confirm the diagnosis and then our specialists will provide you tips on how much Neem Pro Riddance to apply.