Dermatitis in horses and man caused by the straw itch mite.

The research article investigates an outbreak of skin inflammation (dermatitis) in horses and humans at a veterinary hospital, caused by exposure to the straw itch mite found in an alfalfa hay batch.

Objective of the Research

• The main objective of this research was to identify the cause of dermatitis in both humans and horses at the University of Florida’s Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital.

Methodology

• To determine the cause of the dermatitis, the researchers examined the hay that had recently been supplied to the hospital. They discovered straw itch mites, or Pyemotes tritici, in significant concentrations in the hay.

Findings

• The researchers observed papules, or small, raised bumps on the skin, which were the most common type of skin lesions among the affected horses and humans. These skin lesions primarily appeared on areas of the body most accessible to the mites.
• The course of the dermatitis was found to be self-limiting. This means the disease naturally waned without medical intervention once the infected hay was depleted and no new exposure to the itch mites occurred.

Conclusions

• The research concluded that the straw itch mite found in the alfalfa hay was responsible for the episode of dermatitis in horses and humans at the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital of the University of Florida.
• The nature of the condition and the pattern of skin lesions helped confirm this diagnosis.

Implications

• The findings have significant implications for animal feeding practices, as well as for the health and safety of people who handle feed for animals.
• The researchers emphasize the importance of monitoring hay and other types of feed for the presence of mites and other potential allergens to prevent similar outbreaks in the future.