[Investigation of the prevalence of summer eczema in Icelandic horses in northern Germany].
Abstract: An epidemiological study on summer eczema (SE) was performed in 490 Icelandic horses from 24 stud farms located in Lower Saxony and Westphalia. The study revealed a prevalence of summer eczema of 29.8 %. Horses imported from Iceland were affected with a frequency of 71.9 %, whereas horses born in Germany and other countries had a prevalence of 15.6 % and 27.3 %. Mares (33.1 %) and geldings (29.1 %) were more often affected by summer eczema than stallions with 15.5 %. The most common sites of summer eczema were mane and tail. Five to eight years old horses were more severely affected by SE than younger or older horses. Piebald horses showed higher degrees of SE than grey horses. The high prevalence of SE in Icelandic horses kept in Germany was due to imported horses from Iceland particularly horses imported at an age of seven to 15 years were at an extremely high risk to SE (96.4 %). The prevalence of SE significantly increased with higher age. Chestnut and grey horses born in Germany were prone to a lower risk to SE than bay, black or piebald horses. In horses imported from Iceland, a higher inbreeding coefficient was significantly related to a lower prevalence of SE. The most efficient measure recommended for reduction of SE in Germany would be to abandon imports of Icelandic horse from Iceland.
Publication Date: 2005-12-02 PubMed ID: 16318272
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- English Abstract
- Journal Article
Summary
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This research investigates the influence of geographic location and genetic factors on the prevalence of Summer Eczema (SE) in Icelandic horses in Northern Germany. The study found that Icelandic horses imported from Iceland showed a higher prevalence of SE compared to those born in Germany or other countries. It also identified the horses’ color and age as significant factors.
Significance of the study
- This study is critical as it presents valuable insights into the factors influencing the prevalence of Summer Eczema in Icelandic horses. The knowledge gained from this research can help in developing effective prevention strategies.
- It also underscores the role of geographical and genetic factors in disease prevalence, offering a wider perspective in the study of equine health.
- The findings provide a basis for further studies on the development of SE, particularly in relation to genetic predispositions and climatic conditions.
Detailed Findings
- The study surveyed 490 Icelandic horses from 24 stud farms in Lower Saxony and Westphalia. It found that 29.8% of these horses suffer from SE.
- Imported horses were predominantly affected, with 71.9% showing signs of SE. In contrast, German-born and horses from other countries had a lower prevalence rate.
- Mares and geldings were more prone to SE than stallions.
- Among different age groups, horses aged five to eight years were found to be most affected. Their color also significantly influenced the rate of SE, with chestnut and gray horses being less likely to develop the condition than bay, black, or piebald horses.
- The study also found a correlation between high inbreeding coefficients and lower SE rates in horses imported from Iceland.
Suggestions for further action
- Based on the findings, the research suggests that reducing the import of Icelandic horses from Iceland could be an effective measure to curb the high prevalence of SE in Germany.
- The results recommend further investigations on the link between inbreeding and susceptibility to SE. Such studies could provide more targeted methods to reduce the prevalence of this condition.
Limitations of the study
- Despite the detailed analysis, the study does not explore the exact reasons behind the high prevalence of SE among imported Icelandic horses. Future research could delve into the specific health, genetic, or environmental factors at play in Iceland that contribute to higher SE occurrences.
Cite This Article
APA
Lange S, Hamann H, Deegen E, Ohnesorge B, Distl O.
(2005).
[Investigation of the prevalence of summer eczema in Icelandic horses in northern Germany].
Berl Munch Tierarztl Wochenschr, 118(11-12), 481-489.
Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Institut für Tierzucht und Vererbungsforschung der Stiftung Tierärztliche Hochschule Hannover.
MeSH Terms
- Age Factors
- Animals
- Dermatitis, Atopic / epidemiology
- Dermatitis, Atopic / veterinary
- Female
- Germany / epidemiology
- Horse Diseases / epidemiology
- Horses
- Iceland
- Male
- Prevalence
- Seasons
- Sex Factors
Citations
This article has been cited 6 times.- Jebbawi F, Olomski F, Inversini V, Keller G, Rhiner T, Waldern N, Lam J, Pantelyushin S, Canonica F, Birkmann K, Johansen P, Kündig TM, Fettelschoss-Gabriel A. Anti-IL-5 Vaccination Dampens Allergen-Specific IgE Levels and Modulates IL-4 and IL-5 Th2 Cytokines in Skin Allergy of Mice and Horses. Allergy 2025 Dec;80(12):3377-3390.
- Söderroos D, Ignell R, Haubro Andersen P, Bergvall K, Riihimäki M. The Effect of Insect Bite Hypersensitivity on Movement Activity and Behaviour of the Horse. Animals (Basel) 2023 Apr 8;13(8).
- Raza F, Babasyan S, Larson EM, Freer HS, Schnabel CL, Wagner B. Peripheral blood basophils are the main source for early interleukin-4 secretion upon in vitro stimulation with Culicoides allergen in allergic horses. PLoS One 2021;16(5):e0252243.
- Raza F, Ivanek R, Freer H, Reiche D, Rose H, Torsteinsdóttir S, Svansson V, Björnsdóttir S, Wagner B. Cul o 2 specific IgG3/5 antibodies predicted Culicoides hypersensitivity in a group imported Icelandic horses. BMC Vet Res 2020 Aug 10;16(1):283.
- Torsteinsdottir S, Scheidegger S, Baselgia S, Jonsdottir S, Svansson V, Björnsdottir S, Marti E. A prospective study on insect bite hypersensitivity in horses exported from Iceland into Switzerland. Acta Vet Scand 2018 Nov 3;60(1):69.
- Herrmann I, Einhorn L, Panakova L. Gender aspects in allergies of pets - A secondary publication and update. World Allergy Organ J 2017;10(1):42.
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