Summer mange in horses: causes, symptoms and effective solutions
Summer scabies is a skin condition dreaded by many horse owners. Contrary to what its name suggests, it is not a parasitosis, but a seasonal allergic reaction caused by insect bites. This chronic condition affects around 10% of horses of all breeds.
In this article, we explain how to spot it, avoid it and, above all, give your horse effective relief.
1. What are the symptoms of summer scabies?
- Intense pruritus, especially around the mane and tail.
Repeated scratching leading to hair loss and skin lesions.
Signs appear in fine weather (temperature > 10°C), peaking between May and October
In severe cases: skin erosions all over the body.
Lesions can become infected, complicating treatment.
2. What causes this allergy?
Summer mange is caused by hypersensitivity to insect bites, particularly from midges of the Culicoides genus. When bitten, their saliva injects allergenic proteins, triggering an exaggerated immune reaction in predisposed horses.
Certain breeds, such as the Welsh pony, the Shire and the Icelandic horse, are more sensitive. Heredity seems to play a role.
3. Innovative treatments (still being tested)
- Specific immunotherapy (ASIT): promising but still in the clinical evaluation phase in horses.
Anti-IL-5 / IL-31 vaccine: targets the immune cells responsible for inflammation. Effective but costly.
4. Practical solutions to be implemented now
✅ Objective: limit stings and soothe the skin.
- Protect: full anti-insect blankets, nets, stall protection.
- Sanitise the environment :eliminate stagnant water and clean stalls regularly
- Keep infected horses away from manure storage areas.
- Use effective repellents such as Bug Off.
- Caring for the skin: soothing, antiseptic and healing creams such as Itch Stop.
- Manage inflammation: corticosteroid therapy if necessary, bearing in mind the competition.
- Support immunity: beta-glucan-based supplements such as Imunovit.
Summer mange is a chronic condition that can be embarrassing for both horse and owner. By adopting a rigorous, preventive approach, combining physical barriers, hygiene, skin care and immune support, you can significantly improve your horse’s comfort.
Need advice or suitable products? ✉️ Contact our HNP team for personalised support!
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