Lomas, H. R. and Robinson, P. A. (2018) A pilot qualitative investigation of stakeholders’ experiences and opinions of equine insect bite hypersensitivity in England. Veterinary Sciences, 5(1), 3. (doi: 10.3390/vetsci5010003) (PMID:29315275) (PMCID:PMC5876561)
|
Text
201478.pdf - Published Version Available under License Creative Commons Attribution. 249kB |
Abstract
Equine insect bite hypersensitivity (IBH), commonly known as sweet itch or summer eczema, is a frustrating recurrent skin disease in the equine industry involving an immune reaction to the bites of Culicoides spp. midges. To investigate the impact of IBH in the field, an exploratory pilot study was conducted with equine stakeholders in one region of central England. Nine semi-structured, face-to-face interviews were conducted with horse owners and an equine veterinarian. The aim was to gain an understanding of experiences with IBH, and to gauge opinions on the value of the various management strategies horse owners use to control IBH. Awareness of IBH was generally high, particularly in those individuals who had previous experience with the condition. Those with previous experience of IBH commented on the significant effect on daily routines, and the associated cost implications. Most participants supported an integrated approach to hypersensitivity management, and this most commonly involved a combination of physical barriers and chemical repellents, but sometimes included feed supplementation. Overall, attitudes towards IBH suggested that the condition is a notable welfare and economic concern for stakeholders, but veterinary involvement tended to only be in more severe cases. Further research is required in the future to improve understanding, management and potential treatment of this condition.
| Item Type: | Articles |
|---|---|
| Status: | Published |
| Refereed: | Yes |
| Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: | Robinson, Dr Philip |
| Authors: | Lomas, H. R., and Robinson, P. A. |
| College/School: | College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine |
| Journal Name: | Veterinary Sciences |
| Publisher: | MDPI |
| ISSN: | 2306-7381 |
| ISSN (Online): | 2306-7381 |
| Published Online: | 09 January 2018 |
| Copyright Holders: | Copyright © 2018 The Authors |
| First Published: | First published in Veterinary Sciences 5(1): 3 |
| Publisher Policy: | Reproduced under a Creative Commons License |
University Staff: Request a correction | Enlighten Editors: Update this record
Altmetric
Altmetric