A Pilot Qualitative Investigation of Stakeholders’ Experiences and Opinions of Equine Insect Bite Hypersensitivity in England

Abstract

Equine insect bite hypersensitivity (IBH), commonly known as sweet itch or summer eczema, is a frustrating recurrent skin disease in the equine industry involving an immune reaction to the bites of Culicoides spp. midges. To investigate the impact of IBH in the field, an exploratory pilot study was conducted with equine stakeholders in one region of central England. Nine semi-structured, face-to-face interviews were conducted with horse owners and an equine veterinarian. The aim was to gain an understanding of experiences with IBH, and to gauge opinions on the value of the various management strategies horse owners use to control IBH. Awareness of IBH was generally high, particularly in those individuals who had previous experience with the condition. Those with previous experience of IBH commented on the significant effect on daily routines, and the associated cost implications. Most participants supported an integrated approach to hypersensitivity management, and this most commonly involved a combination of physical barriers and chemical repellents, but sometimes included feed supplementation. Overall, attitudes towards IBH suggested that the condition is a notable welfare and economic concern for stakeholders, but veterinary involvement tended to only be in more severe cases. Further research is required in the future to improve understanding, management and potential treatment of this condition.

The Effect of Insect Bite Hypersensitivity on Movement Activity and Behaviour of the Horse

“…This reflects the fact that choice of treatment and prevention of this distressing disease remain major challenges for the veterinary profession and for horse owners, as there is still little evidence-based data on disease management. Understanding of the disease at genetic and immunological levels has improved in recent years, but the welfare of affected animals would benefit greatly from science-based guidelines on prophylaxis and treatment [ 15 ]. New disease outbreaks caused by vector-borne infectious diseases in horses are an increasing threat to animal welfare and the horse industry [ 35 , 36 ].…”

“…In addition, pigmentation disturbances and secondary bacterial infections can occur [ 13 , 14 ]. Horses may also show behavioural changes, such as increased restlessness, depression, anxiety, nervousness and, due to these, loss of weight [ 15 ].…”

Equine allergic skin diseases: Clinical consensus guidelines of the World Association for Veterinary Dermatology

“…In one study in which interviews were conducted with horse owners and veterinarians to obtain opinions on the value of various treatment strategies, it was clear that awareness of IBH was generally high. Owners commented on the impact of this condition on daily routines and the associated cost implications 138 . Most owners followed a multimodal approach that included a combination of physical barriers, chemical repellents and various supplements 138 …”

“…Owners commented on the impact of this condition on daily routines and the associated cost implications. 138 Most owners followed a multimodal approach that included a combination of physical barriers, chemical repellents and various supplements. 138 Many treatments have been considered to provide relief to affected horses, ranging from oral to topical options.…”

Allergies in Animals and Humans

“…Insect bite hypersensitivity is a common allergic reaction affecting horses and ponies impairing their quality of life. In their article, Lomas and Robinson [ 5 ], using qualitative research methodology, conducted a pilot study exploring the impact of equine insect bite hypersensitivity from the perspective of various stakeholders in the equine industry. Although limited by the small number of stakeholder participants (nine) and the small geographical area they came from, this study did produce some interesting findings.…”