Shetland ponies could help allergy sufferers

Shetland ponies may offer some clues to help people who suffer from allergies.

Researchers at Edinburgh University have found that the horses' immune system can respond to midge bites in a way that prevents, rather than triggers, allergic reactions.

When the animals were exposed to midge bites, some produced allergic symptoms while others did not.

Scientists hope to apply what they have learned to humans, by priming immune systems to react in the same way as the non-allergic ponies.

BBC Scotland's Joanne Macaulay reports.