Listener Highlights
- What it is: An allergic reaction to bites from tiny midges (Culicoides spp.), most active at dawn and dusk.
- Symptoms: Intense itching, hair loss around mane, tail, and belly; self-trauma, thickened or leathery skin.
- Treatment: May include vet-prescribed cortisone, antihistamines, topical creams, antibiotics, or antifungals.
- Prevention: Avoid bites with repellents, pyrethrin sprays, mesh rugs, stable horses at peak midge times.
- Management tips: Maintain clean paddocks, reduce standing water, and provide shelter during sunrise/sunset.
Jump to a Section
| Time | Topic |
|---|---|
| 00:00 – 01:24 | Introduction — what Queensland Itch is and where it occurs in Australia. |
| 01:24 – 06:02 | Causes: Culicoides midges, allergic reactions, symptoms, and how horses differ in sensitivity. |
| 06:02 – 07:19 | Diagnosis and why involving your vet is essential to rule out other skin conditions. |
| 07:20 – 08:56 | Treatment overview — cortisone use, risks of laminitis, and antihistamine options. |
| 08:56 – 10:02 | Managing itchiness: creams, secondary infections, supplements, and breaking the itch cycle. |
| 10:03 – 11:14 | Prevention — repellents, pyrethrin sprays, rugs, and managing self-trauma risks. |
| 11:14 – 12:37 | Seasonal management, effects of rainfall, and sending horses south to avoid midges. |
| 12:37 – 13:35 | Reducing midges: stable management, environmental control, and final tips. |
| 13:35 – 13:37 | Closing remarks and summary. |
General advice only. Always consult your veterinarian for guidance specific to your horse.