Insect Hypersensitivity: The most c

Insect Hypersensitivity: The most common insect that causes hypersensitivity in horses is the Culicoides gnat. This condition goes by many names including, Summer Eczema, Sweet Itch, Summer Seasonal Recurrent Dermatitis, etc., but it usually occurs in the late spring or summer. The hypersensitivity is caused when some horses react to the proteins released in the insect bites which leads to irritation and tail rubbing. Just like when we have poison ivy or a mosquito bite, the act of itching the area only seems to worsen the itchiness. And so the tail rubbing cycle continues, often leading horses to rub their tail raw. Some horses with insect hypersensitivity will also rub their mane, neck, or chest.