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Insect bite hypersensitivity (bug bite allergy) is a common problem during the summer. Susceptible horses are actually allergic to insect saliva. Horses can have allergic reactions to any biting insect, but the most common are Culicoides spp. (no-see-ums, gnats, midges, sand flies, punkies), black flies, stable flies, horse flies, and mosquitoes.

Horses with insect bite allergies may have any combination of hives, itchiness, hair loss, and dermatitis. The diagnosis of insect bite hypersensitivity is usually made by clinical signs and the time of year that they occur. Definitive diagnosis can only be made with intradermal allergy testing.

Treatment must first involve avoidance and repelling insects. Most fly sprays contain pyrethrin insecticides that break down when exposed to the ultraviolet light in sunlight. For this reason, it is important to read the label of pyrethrin fly sprays to be sure that they also contain a sunscreen to lengthen activity.

Culicoides spp. prefer to feed at dusk and dawn, so horses can be turned out to avoid those times of the day when these insects are most likely to be active. Box fans on stalls help to keep Culicoides spp. off horses because the insects are very small and they avoid strong air currents. Routine barn maintenance, such as removal of manure and standing water, disrupts insect breeding and reduces their numbers.

Initial treatment of insect bite hypersensitivity is aimed at breaking the cycle of itching and/or hives. Decreasing doses of corticosteroids can be given to reduce inflammation. In most cases, antihistamines alone are ineffective.

Omega-3 fatty acids, such as those found in high-quality marine-derived fish oil, can be especially beneficial as a long-term therapy for horses with insect bite hypersensitivity or other allergies. Omega-3 fatty acids reduce skin inflammation and also promote a healthy hair coat without the possible side effects of corticosteroids.

Most horses with insect bite hypersensitivity can be managed with insect repellants, strategic turnout, dietary supplementation of omega-3 fatty acids, and symptomatic anti-inflammatory therapy during the height of insect season.

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