Stafford Equine Veterinary Services

It's MYTHBUSTERS time! 📢

❌ MYTH: Sweet itch is just normal summer itching.

✅ FACT: Sweet itch is usually insect bite hypersensitivity - an allergic reaction to bites from Culicoides midges. The hallmark sign is intense itching.

Sweet itch is the common name for an allergic skin reaction to bites from tiny midges, most often Culicoides. The biggest red flag is intense itching. Horses may rub the mane, tail, and other areas enough to damage the skin.

In many horses, the problem is seasonal, so prevention focuses on limiting insect exposure: stable during peak feeding times at sunrise and sunset, use fans and fine screens, reduce exposure to standing water, and work with your veterinarian on repellants and treatment options.

If you suspect that your horse is suffering from sweet itch, contact your veterinarian.

📸 Dr. Melinda Freckleton

Please reference the following resources for additional information regarding New World Screwworm (NWS):

1. Equine Disease Communication Center Factsheet: https://equinediseasecc.org/handler/managedfilehandler.ashx?id=103&ext=pdf

2. USDA Map of Current Outbreak: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/animals/animal-health/livestock-and-poultry-disease/current-status?page=1

3. USDA Myth Buster Sheet:https://www.aphis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/nws-myth-busters.pdf

4. USDA New World Screwworm Webinar for Animal Industry: https://youtu.be/0ZdBU0mBXKE?si=Vi7_Aqe8V-3Jy72X

5. AAEP Alert to Equine Practitioners: New World Screwworm Enters the United States:https://aaep.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Alert-to-Equine-Practitioners-FINAL.pdf