SWEET ITCH SYMPTOMS
Severe itching with the top of the horse’s mane and tail likely to be most affected. Depending on the severity of the Sweet Itch other areas may be affected too ie. forehead, sides of the head and ears, withers and saddle area, mid-line of the belly, udder, sheath and legs.
Itching is confined to the midge/bug season roughly April-October. But with warmer winters midges may be around virtually all the year in some parts of the country.
Restlessness, mood changes, impatience.
Tail swishing.
Rubbing hard against posts, fences, stables, trees and hedges.
Excessive grooming with other horses.
Rolling on the ground - see picture.
Biting and chewing the itchy skin.
Secondary skin sores and infections.
Hair loss

Sweet Itch tail (left) and neck (right)
Source: Horseweb-UK