Work underway on allergy vaccine

Researchers at the University of Iceland's experimental station in Keldur are diligently working to find ways to treat summer eczema, a condition that affects some Icelandic horses moved abroad as adults. This allergic reaction, triggered by midges not found in Iceland, can cause severe itching, rashes, and hair loss. A significant study involving 70 horses is currently being conducted in Germany to better understand and combat the ailment. Sigríður Jónsdóttir, a biologist and immunologist at Keldur, shared details of the ongoing research with Morgunblaðið. The newspaper had previously reported on similar research in the United States, highlighting the susceptibility of horses moved internationally to develop allergies to foreign insect bites. The ongoing work in Germany aims to build upon this understanding and develop effective treatments for affected horses, offering hope to owners concerned about their animals' well-being.