Tracy Soward-Amalfi: Equine Nutritionist
Dread comes across the minds of all horse owners with the words Queensland Itch. Queensland Itch is a skin condition that can render a working horse incapacitated and carries with it a terrible stigma. Also known as Summer Eczema, Qld Itch is a recurrent seasonal dermatitis caused by hypersensitivity to insect bites in particular Culicoides spp (midges).
Culicoides spp from the family Ceratopogonidae are around 2-3mm in size and are also referred to as “no seeums”. Midges are seasonal insects active in the spring and summer months and thrive in warm and humid environments. They breed and are often located on wet lands, coastal lagoons, mangrove swamps, tidal flats, rivers, lakes and standing water. Hence in Queensland this condition is most common in coastal areas.Midges are predominantly active around dusk and dawn and feed on specific sites on the horse. These sites include the head, tail, withers and base of mane.
Qld Itch is triggered by an allergic reaction to the saliva of the biting midge. The horses’ immune system goes into overdrive attacking the saliva (which contains harmless protein) and in the process attacks its own skin cells by mistake. The subsequent cell damage produces the symptoms of Qld Itch.The horse responds by rubbing, biting and itching often causing characteristic hairlessness and sometimes open ulcerated sores.
Cases of Qld Itch are easily recognised by the seasonal irritation and hairlessness on the withers, neck, crest, poll, ears, midline of the croup and the tail. Management of the Qld Itch is time consuming and there is no quick fix.
his range of methods is helpful at treating and keeping this condition at bay however to date there is no cure for this condition. There is a group of overseas researchers currently trying to develop a vaccine that will help all horses and ponies inflicted with this condition. The above guidelines may help to sooth your horses condition.