Mange Mite

Chorioptic mange is an irritating skin infection caused by Chorioptes bovis, an obligate parasite, that is not host specific. It can be found on cattle, sheep and goats, especially the scrotum of rams. The penned environment is ideal for spread amongst sheep and goats.

Irritation of the preferred sites on the skin, which are scrotum, lower legs and poll, leads to production of watery, yellowish, exudate that dries as a thick, yellow crust. Later, itchiness subsides as the skin thickens.

Laboratory confirmation requires skin scrapings for microscopic examination, and if possible, a skin biopsy from a recently affected area in buffered formalin for histology.

Macrolytic lactones such as ivermectin reduce the severity of infection.

Prevention of serious skin disease relies on regular treatment of resident animals and any introductions with macrocyclic lactones.