By Dr. Dianne Hellwig with Dr. Lyle G. McNeal
Q.We just adopt two cop that were found wandering around on my grandmother ’s belongings in Georgia . For the most part , they seem to be healthy , but they ’re constantly rubbing up against the fencing and provender bunk . Their peel is rather flaky , with scabs on most of their back . What could this be ?
A.The symptoms you are describing sound likepig mange or hog mange , which can cause stark irritation and itching .
Hog mange is triggered by a mite known asSarcoptes , scabieivar.suis , which is sometimes referred to asscabies .
The mite is normally spread from one bull to another , but animals can also pick it up by rubbing against recently contaminated surfaces . Some animals can become chronic carriers , spreading the sponger through the herd .
touch are more rife in the winter months when animals are in closemouthed contact with one another .
How They Hatch and GrowThefemale mite tunnels underneath the surface of the skin , where she wedge her orchis . When the immature forms incubate , they migrate to the surface of the pelt . This migration solution in severer itchiness and annoyance .
The skin becomes thickened and freakish from the constant rubbing against airfoil .
Secondary bacterial infectionsoften occur . Lesions are typically seen on the ears , head , neck , belly , shoulders and legs .
What To DoHave your veterinary pick up tegument scrapings to sustain the presence of the mite .
To see for yourself , take a scraping from one of the affected areas and place it on saturnine - colored theme . If mite are present , you will see midget , moving white Department of Transportation .
product to Try and How to ApplyThere are severalspray - on product for external parasitesthat can be used , including Ectiban , Taktic , Ectrin and Prolate . These are available through catalogs and farm provision stores .
These product will take care of the adults and the immature forms , but not the ball .
It will be necessary to repeat the intervention in two to three weeks , reckon on the ware used . This will pop the immature chassis that have hatched before they mature and lay extra eggs .
A pressure washer ( not set too high ) is more effectual than a hose for apply these products . It ’s also important to check that complete insurance coverage of the animal is achieve .
I have had experience washing sow before they go into the farrow house and they seem to enjoy this activity .
look out out : They will shake like a wet dog and get some of the product on you .
General precautions implement as well :
You should have no issue eliminating this problem from your small herd .
The mite does n’t live very long when it ’s not on the pig , but it would be a good melodic theme to disinfect the surface that your pigs will come in contact with .
Humans and other animals may become infected with hog sarcopotic mange . Bathe and change clothes as soon as possible after handling mangy hogs .
