Practices warned on skin conditions
A coalition of charities and animal welfare organisations are urging practices to raise awareness of summer skin condition in horses, with a particular emphasis on Sweet Itch. The designation of March as Sweet Itch Awareness Month (SIAM) has been declared by the British Horse Society (BHS), The Blue Cross, The Horse Trust, Redwings Horse Sanctuary and World Horse Welfare (WHW).
Research by Elanco Companion Animal Health revealed that vets are usually consulted after horse owners have tried and failed to manage the condition themselves (73%) or if the clinical symptoms have reached the stage at which they are deemed severe (67%), which could potentially lead to major welfare implications. The research also found that over a quarter of respondents (26%) did not start managing the conditions before the period of greatest risk in the spring midge season and nearly a third (31%) were obliged to curtail activities with their horses due to behavioural, welfare or aesthetic issues that include aggression and unpredictability.
Commenting, Head of Welfare at the BHS Lee Hackett said "The results of this survey show just how important raising awareness of sweet itch is. All of us, whether we are welfare organisations or vets, need to play our part in educating owners about sweet itch in the hope that they will seek expert advice at an earlier stage and reduce the number of horses that suffer as a result of this condition."
Echoing Mr Hackett's sentiment, Education Officer at The Blue Cross Kerry Taylor said "The Blue Cross is pleased to be supporting the sweet itch campaign to raise awareness of the physical and mental impact this condition has on horses. During our May 2011 National Equine Health Survey, skin problems came out the top syndrome affecting horses, and we continue to see many horses coming into our care suffering from sweet itch. Prevention and early treatment is key to managing the potentially debilitating condition."
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
