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Veterinary sciences2018; 5(1); 3; doi: 10.3390/vetsci5010003

A Pilot Qualitative Investigation of Stakeholders’ Experiences and Opinions of Equine Insect Bite Hypersensitivity in England.

Abstract: Equine insect bite hypersensitivity (IBH), commonly known as sweet itch or summer eczema, is a frustrating recurrent skin disease in the equine industry involving an immune reaction to the bites of spp. midges. To investigate the impact of IBH in the field, an exploratory pilot study was conducted with equine stakeholders in one region of central England. Nine semi-structured, face-to-face interviews were conducted with horse owners and an equine veterinarian. The aim was to gain an understanding of experiences with IBH, and to gauge opinions on the value of the various management strategies horse owners use to control IBH. Awareness of IBH was generally high, particularly in those individuals who had previous experience with the condition. Those with previous experience of IBH commented on the significant effect on daily routines, and the associated cost implications. Most participants supported an integrated approach to hypersensitivity management, and this most commonly involved a combination of physical barriers and chemical repellents, but sometimes included feed supplementation. Overall, attitudes towards IBH suggested that the condition is a notable welfare and economic concern for stakeholders, but veterinary involvement tended to only be in more severe cases. Further research is required in the future to improve understanding, management and potential treatment of this condition.
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Publication Date: 2018-01-09 PubMed ID: 29315275PubMed Central: PMC5876561DOI: 10.3390/vetsci5010003Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The abstract presents a pilot study on equine insect bite hypersensitivity (IBH) in England, based on the experiences and opinions of horse owners and an equine veterinarian.

Study Overview

  • The study aimed to assess the impact of the disease known as Equine Insect Bite Hypersensitivity (IBH) on horse owners and their animals. This condition is also known as sweet itch or summer eczema, and it represents a significant issue in the equine industry. IBH is an immune reaction in horses caused by the bites of certain midges.
  • As part of the study, the researchers conducted face-to-face interviews with nine individuals. These participants included horse owners within one region of central England and an equine veterinarian.

Findings on Awareness and Experiences

  • The findings showed that awareness of IBH was high, especially among stakeholders who had previous experience with the condition. Those with prior experience of IBH talked about its considerable effect on everyday routines and the related financial costs.
  • The participants’ experiences portrayed IBH as a significant welfare concern for horses and a notable economic issue for the stakeholders involved.

Management Strategies and Veterinary Involvement

  • Most participants were in favor of an integrated approach to manage hypersensitivity in their horses. This approach often involved a combination of physical barriers and chemical repellents, and sometimes it also included feed supplementation.
  • However, the study also revealed that typically, veterinarians were involved only in severe cases of IBH.

Conclusion and Future Research

  • In conclusion, this pilot study has shed light on the beliefs and experiences associated with IBH from horse owners and an equine vet. It has identified a demand for further research to enhance understanding and eventually improve treatments and management strategies for this notable condition in the equine industry.

Cite This Article

APA
Lomas HR, Robinson PA. (2018). A Pilot Qualitative Investigation of Stakeholders’ Experiences and Opinions of Equine Insect Bite Hypersensitivity in England. Vet Sci, 5(1), 3. https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci5010003

Publication

Veterinary sciences
ISSN: 2306-7381
NlmUniqueID: 101680127
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 5
Issue: 1
PII: 3

Researcher Affiliations

Lomas, Hannah R
  • Department of Animal Production, Welfare and Veterinary Sciences, Harper Adams University, Newport, Shropshire TF10 8NB, UK. probinson@harper-adams.ac.uk.
Robinson, Philip A
  • Department of Animal Production, Welfare and Veterinary Sciences, Harper Adams University, Newport, Shropshire TF10 8NB, UK. probinson@harper-adams.ac.uk.

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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Citations

This article has been cited 4 times.
  1. Pessoa VC, Branco-Ferreira M, Jónsdóttir S, Marti E, Tilley P. Comparison of Skin Prick Tests (SPT), Intradermal Tests (IDT) and In Vitro Tests in the Characterization of Insect Bite Hypersensitivity (IBH) in a Population of Lusitano Horses: Contribution for Future Implementation of SPT in IBH Diagnosis. Animals (Basel) 2023 Aug 28;13(17).
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  4. Siebers R. Allergies in Animals and Humans. Vet Sci 2018 Jan 15;5(1).
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