Neem is a natural repellent for fleas, ticks, flies (including buffalo fly), mosquitoes and mites. It also helps to soothe many skin conditions such as hot spots, flea bites, tick bites, dermatitis, mange (and the mites that cause mange), allergies, Queensland Itch (Sweet Itch), greasy heel (mud fever), wet & dry eczema. To gently help protect from fleas, ticks, mites and irritants – without the use of harsh chemicals – we recommend Dog Wash Concentrate. For larger animals and livestock (such as horses, cattle, sheep, alpacas, goats, etc), it may be more economical to dilute utility grade 100% neem oil (5 – 10ml to each litre of water) with an appropriate emulsifier. Alternatively, we have a pre-mixed Horse Wash Concentrate and Cattle Wash Concentrate. These preparations are ready to use – just add water.

Symptoms

Itching is the main sign of the condition. An affected horse will rub its rump, the butt of its tail and its mane on fixed objects in its paddock or stable. It can also rub itself down the side of its chest and the ears are often affected. The constant rubbing usually causes hair loss and skin changes.

Causes

The usual cause of Queensland Itch is a hypersensitivity to the bites of sand flies (midges). While the bite of the midge is an irritation, some horses develop sensitivity to the bite and will rub themselves so much that they cause injury to their skin. The cause is actually an allergic reaction to chemicals in the saliva of the midge. When this reaction occurs, specific chemicals are released in the skin. These chemicals cause an irritation, which in turn causes the horse to scratch and rub. Queensland Itch is a summer problem and is more prevalent where there is a quantity of still, stagnant water for the midges to breed in.

Controlling the problem

Midges are not very strong flyers and do not like wind, so placing a fan in the stable may stop the bugs from getting to your horse. For the same reason, having the stable on high ground helps, as any natural breeze that is flowing will waft through the stable and give the biting bugs a hard time.

Treatment

The midge and the horse should never meet! As midges breed in still or standing water, eliminate unnecessary reservoirs of old stagnant water. Midges mostly feed at dawn and dusk so keeping the horse housed in a stable will help and you will have much greater success if the stable is fly-screened.

Insecticides are commonly used, including the use of DEET (the acronym for N, N-Diethyl-m-toluamide). Other insecticides, including pyrethrins, can be used; however, there is increasing controversy over possible toxic side effects.

Depressing the immune system with corticosteroids may bring temporary relief but there can be side effects, including laminitis, in some animals. With time, corticosteroids may become less effective, requiring larger and more frequent doses.

The use of anti-histamines may bring some relief but high dose rates are required and they can make the horse drowsy.

The natural approach … PURE NEEM Horse Wash Concentrate

Neem oil is antibacterial, antiseptic, anti-fungal and anti-viral. Our neem oil (which has been sourced in India and extracted using cold pressed methods to preserve active ingredients) is rich in fatty acids & vitamin E.  Neem oil is non-toxic to humans, animals, mammals, birds & bees but MIDGES HATE IT!

Use our Horse Wash Concentrate - add to your usual horse shampoo and conditioner (5-10ml to every 100ml of product). Good results will be obtained if you use the Horse Wash Concentrate in your final rinse as well. PURE NEEM Horse Wash Concentrate is 85% pure neem oil and contains a natural emulsifier so can be diluted at the rate of 5ml  - 10ml to 1 litre of warm water to spray or sponge your horse. Use neat (patch test first) over badly affected areas. Midges dislike contact with a film of oil and they will tend to avoid it.

As Queensland Itch is a seasonal condition, start using Horse Wash Concentrate in spring and continue for the summer months. Due to the antiseptic qualities of neem oil, Horse Wash Concentrate can be used neat on other conditions such as greasy heel (mud fever), ticks, mite bites, sores and scratches. It can also be used as a stable/kennel wash – 10ml - 20ml to 1 litre of water.

Neem has the ability to increase vascular permeability by increasing the blood flow and by helping the body to rapidly create collagen fibres to close wounds. Healing will be significantly accelerated and scarring reduced by using neem to protect the injured skin.

Oils and other repellents that are effective usually work for a limited time: In summer a horse's short coat-hair does not retain the active ingredient for long and it can be easily lost through sweating or rain. Re-application two or three times every day may be necessary.

Horses have thin skins and some are very sensitive. Therefore, you should test the diluted neem oil on a small patch of skin at the base of your horse’s neck or flank first to ensure your horse will tolerate the oil. Horse Wash Concentrate does not contain citronella.

If you require a stronger solution of neem oil, try our new salve, NEEM SALV-ATION. This can be applied direct to the horse’s coat, mane and tail. The ointment will act as a barrier for the midge while at the same time healing existing wounds/irritation.

Finally, not all itching or rubbing in horses is caused by Queensland Itch. Itching in horses can be caused by many things, including a variety of contact allergies and even to a form of worm infestation. If you are unsure whether your horse has Queensland Itch or some other skin condition, consult with your veterinarian for full advice.