Name: Sweet Itch Allergy Testing
Brand: Equigerminal
Price: 229.86 EUR

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Sweet Itch Allergy Testing

Why Test? Equine allergies are relatively common and can affect horses of any breed, age, or sex. Allergic reactions involving...

€229.86

Sample Requirements

3 mL serum or 6 mL whole blood (in serum tube)

Send your sample by regular mail or express delivery to:

Equigerminal Lab HIESE
Rua da Quinta do Sobreiro Nº25
3230-343 Penela, Portugal

Turnaround Time

2-7 working days

About the test

This Equine Insect Allergy Panel measures allergen-specific IgE antibodies against the most common insect allergens associated with equine allergic skin disease, including biting midges, mosquitoes, horse flies and stable flies. The test supports the diagnosis of insect bite hypersensitivity and helps guide targeted environmental management and Allergen-Specific Immunotherapy (ASIT).

Why test?

Equine allergies are common and may significantly affect a horse's comfort and performance. Identifying the specific insect allergens responsible for hypersensitivity enables veterinarians to develop personalized management plans and reduce unnecessary treatments.

Key Benefits

Identifies allergen-specific IgE antibodies
Fast and accurate detection of relevant insect allergens
Non-invasive blood sample collection
Standardized and highly reproducible laboratory method
Results support customized Allergen-Specific Immunotherapy (ASIT)
Results available within 2–7 working days

How it works

🛒 Purchase the Test: Select and buy the test online.

📧 Receive Instructions: After payment confirmation, receive instructions for sample collection.

✨ Sample Collection: Your veterinarian collects a blood sample.

📄 Download Submission Form: Download the printable submission form.

📮 Send Samples: Send your samples by regular mail or express delivery to:

Equigerminal Lab HIESE
Rua da Quinta do Sobreiro Nº25
3230-343 Penela, Portugal

📄 Receive Results: Get your laboratory report by email.

Clinical signs

Insect allergies may cause:

Intense itching (pruritus)
Sweet Itch (Insect Bite Hypersensitivity)
Mane and tail rubbing
Hair loss
Crusts and skin lesions
Recurrent dermatitis
Thickened skin
Secondary skin infections

Clinical signs are often seasonal and worsen during periods of increased insect activity.

Transmission

Insect allergy is not contagious. Clinical signs develop when susceptible horses produce an allergic immune response following bites from specific insects.

Prevention

Although insect allergy cannot be cured, clinical signs can be reduced by:

Minimizing insect exposure
Using fly rugs, masks and repellents
Stable management during peak insect activity
Environmental insect control
Veterinary-prescribed medication when required
Allergen-Specific Immunotherapy (ASIT) based on laboratory results

Results

Results are reported using the HERBU scoring system, with each insect allergen assigned a clinical reactivity class from 0 to 5.

The assay detects allergen-specific IgE antibodies, avoiding cross-reactivity with IgG antibodies or CCDs. Results should always be interpreted together with the horse's clinical history and examination.

Additional information

The panel evaluates sensitization to six clinically important insect allergens, including Culicoides, Stomoxys, Tabanus, Chrysops, Culex, and Blattella germanica. Laboratory results help veterinarians identify the allergens most likely responsible for clinical signs and assist in developing individualized treatment and immunotherapy plans.

FAQs

Which horses should be tested?

Horses showing seasonal itching, Sweet Itch, recurrent dermatitis, mane or tail rubbing, or other signs of insect bite hypersensitivity.

What sample is required?

3 mL serum or 6 mL whole blood collected in a serum tube.

Does a positive result confirm clinical allergy?

Not necessarily. A positive IgE result indicates sensitization to a specific insect allergen and should always be interpreted together with the horse's clinical history and examination.

Can this test be used to prepare immunotherapy?

Yes. Results may be used by veterinarians to formulate Allergen-Specific Immunotherapy (ASIT) when clinically indicated.

When will I receive my results?

Results are available within 2 to 7 working days after sample arrival at the laboratory.