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| + | =Sweet itch= |
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| + | This is hypersensitivity caused by flies of [[Ceratopogonidae|''Culicoides spp.'']] and a recurring seasonal problem in susceptible donkeys is common. Observations at [http://drupal.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk/ The Donkey Sanctuary] would indicate that a familial predisposition to sweet itch might exist. |
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| + | ==Clinical Signs== |
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| + | Sweet itch presents as a '''pruritic dermatitis''' with lesions, usually along the '''dorsal surface''' of the donkey from '''neck to rump'''. |
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| + | ==Treatment and control== |
| + | [[Image:Sweet itch blanket donkey.jpg|right|thumb|250px|<small><center>Donkey wearing a blanket to prevent sweet itch. (Image courtesy of [http://drupal.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk The Donkey Sanctuary])</center></small>]] |
| + | * '''Control of the midges''' should effect a cure |
| + | * In more severe cases the use of '''topical antibacterial shampoos''' and even [[Antibiotics|antibiotic]] and [[Steroids|corticosteroids]] may be indicated |
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| + | There are a number of other control measures that can be used, each with variable success. |
| + | * Avoid areas favourable for the breeding of midges, such as stagnant water, decaying vegetation and manure |
| + | * Problem fields or areas (tree cover, overgrown hedges, low lying or sheltered pastures) should be identified and avoided, and low risk areas (open windy hill tops) should be utilised |
| + | * Midges are most active at dusk and dawn so it is recommended that donkeys are stabled during this period |
| + | * Insect repellents: Deet (N,N-Diethyl-m-toluamide) |
| + | * Insecticides: 4% permethrin and benzyl benzoate (do not apply to broken or damaged skin) |
| + | * Recently Boett blankets have been used to good effect at [http://drupal.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk/ the Donkey Sanctuary] for donkeys with a history of sweet itch. The blankets are made of a special lightweight and breathable fabric that prevents midges biting. It can be used with a hood covering the ears depending on the part of the donkey affected by the sweet itch |
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| + | ==Literature Search== |
| + | [[File:CABI logo.jpg|left|90px]] |
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| + | Use these links to find recent scientific publications via CAB Abstracts (log in required unless accessing from a subscribing organisation). |
| + | <br><br><br> |
| + | [http://www.cabdirect.org/search.html?q=%28title%3A%28%22culicoides%22%29+OR+title%3A%28midges%29%29+AND+%28od%3A%28donkeys%29+OR+title%3A%28donkey%29+OR+ab%3A%28donkey%29%29 Midges in donkeys publications] |
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| + | ==References== |
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| + | * Trawford, A. and Getachew, M. (2008) Parasites In Svendsen, E.D., Duncan, J. and Hadrill, D. (2008) ''The Professional Handbook of the Donkey'', 4th edition, Whittet Books, Chapter 6 |
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| |linkpage =Ectoparasites - Donkey | | |linkpage =Ectoparasites - Donkey |
| |linktext =Ectoparasites - Donkey | | |linktext =Ectoparasites - Donkey |
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| |pagetype=Donkey | | |pagetype=Donkey |
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| + | {{infotable |
| + | |Maintitle = [[Sponsors#The Donkey Sanctuary|This section was sponsored and content provided by '''THE DONKEY SANCTUARY''']] |
| + | |Maintitlebackcolour = B4CDCD |
| + | }} |
| + | [[Category:Donkey]] |
| + | [[Category:Parasites_-_Donkey]][[Category:Ectoparasites_-_Donkey]] |