Avoiding Equine Allergy Triggers
Similar to humans, horses can be hypersensitive to a range of things that trigger allergens, including dust, mold, pollen, insect bites, grooming products, synthetic materials or feed ingredients. Though allergies in humans is on the rise across the globe, it’s unclear if horses are also experiencing more allergies.
In an allergic reaction, the horse’s immune system views something generally benign as a threat and creates an elevated response. This reaction creates a chemical response that releases histamines, which can show as itching, swelling or other physical reactions. This reaction makes the horse become hypersensitive to the allergen, meaning that all subsequent reactions are stronger and quicker.
Horses allergic reactions most often affect the skin and the respiratory system, showing up as hives and itching or a runny nose and coughing. Skin irritations are generally caused by biting insects; hives can be caused by both biting insects and contact allergies from things like bedding or fly sprays. Allergies are complex interactions between the environment and genetics; it’s not understood as to why only some people and horses develop sensitivities and others don’t.
Recommended for You
Though it’s unclear if certain breeds are more susceptible to allergies, a recent study by scientists in England, Belgium, Sweden and the Netherlands investigated equine insect bite hypersensitivity (IBH) by biting midges in Icelandic horses and Exmoor ponies. They found IBH predisposition in both breeds.
Horses can show a reaction within minutes or hours of exposure to an allergen. Knowing a horse’s triggers will help a farm owner or manager decide how to adjust the horse’s management to minimize exposure. Treatments can range from merely changing a horse’s environment (by spending more time on pasture, for example) to topical therapies and medications like antihistamines.
In addition to common indoor allergy fixes like dusting regularly and scrubbing feed and water buckets regularly, keeping saddlepads and blankets clean and dry can help ease equine allergies. Researchers at the Department of Veterinary Science at the University of Sydney, Australia, tested 14 blankets and saddle pads for dust mites. Eight of the blankets were positive for mites. The research team also serum tested horses for dust mite allergies and confirmed the reaction to mites in hypersensitive horses. Frequently washing pads and blankets of horses that are hypersensitive is key, as is keeping these items away from other horse’s pads and blankets to avoid cross-contamination.
Some supplements have been shown to help a horse’s immune system cope with allergens. Spirulina, which is blue-green algae (BGA), has been shown to be helpful in modifying immune function. BGA inhibits histamines, which instigate allergic symptoms. The ideal management for horses with allergies is to let them live outside 24/7; the development of allergies in horses housed on pasture full-time are nearly nonexistent.
Read more at Horse Journals.
