Identification of factors associated with the development of insect bite hypersensitivity in horses in The Netherlands.

An Internet-based questionnaire among horse owners was carried out to identify factors affecting the incidence of insect bite hypersensitivity (IBHI) among horses in the Netherlands. Information was obtained for 794 horses of various breeds, but the breed distribution was not representative for the Dutch horse population. Of the horses for which information was available, 56% suffered from IBH and 44% did not. The most common clinical symptoms were pruritus, scaling, and hair loss, occurring mainly at the base of the tail and along the mane. Breed, age, region (and local habitat), stabling, type of bedding in the stable, use of the horse, deworming frequency, and season were associated with significant differences in IBH incidence. Knowledge of the factors influencing the incidence of IBH may make it possible to reduce the number of animals affected and help alleviate symptoms in affected horses.