Sarcoptic mange infestation in pigs: an overview

Abstract

Sarcoptic mange infestation in pigs is caused by Sarcoptes scabiei var. suis. It is the most common mange infestation of pigs. The parasite is distributed worldwide. Pig owners are generally concerned about the internal parasitic infections and ignored the external parasitic infestations. But the external parasitic infestation with S. scabiei var. suis has economic significance as it causes morbidity, mortality, decreased fertility and feed conversion ratio in pigs. Keeping in view of importance of S. scabies var. suis infestation in pigs, this communication discussed about the present and past research works done on S. scabies var. suis infestation in pigs, particularly its prevalence, life cycle, pathological lesions, clinical symptoms, haematobiochemical changes, diagnosis, treatment and control, to have an idea about this infestation at a glance. It has been concluded that the research work done on sarcoptic mange infestation in pigs in India is less in comparison to other countries. It may be due to its consideration as a neglected parasite or due to it's under report. Organization of awareness programs for the farmers by extension personalities or other authorities might be able to save the farmers from economic losses due to this infestation.

A case of mange infestation in a flock of pigs in Ebonyi State, Nigeria

“…The injuries seen are reddening of the infested area, crusts, hyperkeratosis, and fall of hairs from the area with wrinkled, thickened, rough, raised and thick asbestoslike skin and pruritus. These lesions were similar to those reported by (Das et al, 2010;Laha et al, 2015;OIE, 2016). The observed clinical signs observed in these study were pruritis, as a result, affected pigs showed rubbing of the skin against the wall of the pen, as reported by other authors (Loewenstein et al, 2006;Das et al, 2010;Laha et al, 2015;OIE, 2016).…”

“…Microscopically the parasites seen appear approximately 500 μm long, with fingerprint-like striations on the cuticle, short and stubby legs, numerous setae and pegs, and with a dorsal patch of tooth-like spines. Treatment carried out was similar to the reports of (Chellapandian et al, 2004;Maiti et al, 2004;Das et al, 2010;Laha et al, 2015;OIE, 2016;Grahofer et al, 2018) who after brushing over the thick scab with wire brush apply Cypermethrin Kumar et al, (2005) then followed by subcutaneous injections of Ivermectin at 300 mg/kg body weight which was repeated after two weeks. The symptoms of pruritis and scratching were disappeared from day 21 posttreatment.…”

“…suis which causes high morbidity and mortality in wild animals and farm animals (Walton and Currie, 2007;Dagleish et al, 2007;Chhabra and Pathak, 2011;Laha et al, 2015;OIE, 2016). In pigs experimentally infected by the parasites there is development of excoriations on the luminal surface of the ear after seven days of initial infestations, between third and eight weeks of infections, the developed encrusted lesion in the ears produce pruritis followed by focal erythematous skin lesions with eosinophilia and allergic reactions (Laha et al, 2015). Injuries can be seen in the ears, head, neck region, shoulders, leg and back region of those pigs.…”

“…The lesions were characterised by reddening of the infested area, the formation of crusts, hyperkeratosis, and fall of hairs from the area with wrinkled, thickened, rough, raised and thick asbestos-like skin (Das et al 2010;Laha et al, 2015). The observed clinical sign seen in natural disease is pruritis which can be noticed by When pigs are rubbing their skin against the pen house wall (Loewenstein et al 2006Das et al 2010Laha et al, 2015: OIE, 2016. The hypersensitive form of the disease is mostly accompanied by pruritis while the chronic form is Fill with red papules characterised by crust (Rambozzi et al 2007).…”

Vaccination against parasites – status quo and the way forward

“…suis, the mange mite of pigs, causes severe economic losses and frequently serious disease in pigs when untreated [6]. Currently, control of porcine sarcoptic mange relies on the application of acaricides and the maintenance of mite-free herds [18]. Immunity against scabies has been described in different species including humans [43].…”