Culicoides hypersensitivity, commonly referred to as 'sweet itch' is an intensely pruritic dermatitis of horses caused by a hypersensitivity reaction to the saliva of biting insects. The most important causative agent is the ''Culicoides'' midge but other insects including ''[[Simulium]]'' spp, ''Stomoxys'' spp and ''Haematobia'' may also have a role. In temperate climates the condition occurs between spring and autumn (when midges are active) with a period of remission during the winter months.
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Culicoides hypersensitivity, commonly referred to as 'sweet itch' is an intensely pruritic dermatitis of horses caused by a hypersensitivity reaction to the saliva of biting insects. The most important causative agent is the ''[[Culicoides]]'' midge but other insects including ''Simulium'' spp, ''Stomoxys'' spp and ''Haematobia'' may also have a role. In temperate climates the condition occurs between spring and autumn (when midges are active) with a period of remission during the winter months.