Mange

1. DESCRIPTION:

Mange is the term used to describe infection by Sarcoptes scabiei, Pseuroptes ovis and Chorioptes bovis. They inhabit in the epidermis of the skin and damage the skin. Mange are most frequently seen in the autumn and winter but can occur all year round.

 2. ETIOLOGY:

• Sarcoptes scabiei, the itch mite, lives in burrows or tunnels formed in the skin by the adult female. The female lays eggs in the burrow and the immatures disperse creating new burrows. The result is a infestation that can quickly spread to others parts of the body.
• Psoroptes ovis, the sheep scab mite, causes psoroptic mange in cattle - causes a highly contagious form of mange that can spread rapidly by direct transfer between animals. This species is a non-burrowing mite that lives on the surface of the skin. Infestations usually begin on the shoulders and rump. The adult and immature mites feed on surface skin cells and skin exudates rather than piercing the skin and feeding on blood. Feeding causes skin inflammation, itching, hair loss and formation of crusty lesions or scabs. Secondary bacterial infestations are common in severe cases.
• Chorioptes bovis, chorioptic mange mite, is a non-burrowing mite that is commonly found on the lower legs and is often referred to as foot or leg mange. Clusters of eggs are deposited on the skin with a sticky substance. Most animal infested with C. bovis are asymptomatic, although high densities of mites (thousands) can be irritating.

All forms are considered very contagious and are efficiently transferred to other cattle by direct contact. The highest mite infestations usually occur in the winter months when animals are under stress from cold weather, inadequate nutrition, respiratory diseases, etc...

3. CLINICAL SIGNS:

The surface mite is usually found on the neck, legs, and tail head. They damages the skin surface which causes lesions on the skin. The lesions are obviously itchy as infected cattles will try to rub the affected area against walls and tree stumps. It producess scratches on the skin and produce limited hair loss, which only increases slowly in size. Rashes will start to appear on soft skin areas such as external ear flaps, groin, breast…

When the condition is worsen, rashes will spread to the forehead. Infected area becoming thickened, crusty and hairless. Cattles with secondary infection often have pustules on the skin, which causes dermatitis.  

In rabbit, mange is often caused by Psoroptes ovis. Baby rabbits from 1 – 2 month-old can be infected but rarely shows any clinical signs. From two months of age, the condition will rapidly develop.

 4. PREVENTION:

• Clean the barn and equipment frequently.
• Periodically spray insecticides the barn every month.
• Closely monitor the herd to detect infected cattle, then immediately isolate the infected and timely apply treatment.
• Giving bath everyday to the herds. It is recommended to dilute a solution with VIATOX before giving bath or spray directly on animals. We guarantee that by applying VIATOX once a week, consider the herds to be mange-free.

5. TREATMENT:

Prior to giving treatment, clean the animal thoroughly, srub the scab. Then leave the animal to dry, apply oil or any lubrication to treat scab, re-apply your selected anti-scabies products one a day. Then, we recommend to give IVERMECTIN 1% via S.C infection with the following recommended dosage: 1 ml / 50 kg of b.w.