Synonyms

No known synonym

Name of the disease in English

Sarcoptic eats (Barn itch)

The disease in brief

Sarcoptes scabiei is a parasitic mite that burrows into the skin (epidermis); hypersensitivity develops, aggravating the lesions. Transmission takes place by contact between cattle, but also in infested barns, because the parasite can survive up to 3 weeks outside its host. The disease is formidable due to the risk of extension in the herd; economic losses are linked to production declines and mortality in the most serious cases.

Clinic & diagnosis

The disease is suspected by observing significant depilation associated with skin reactions dominated by hyperkeratosis: the skin is thickened, wrinkled with many scales. Animals often scratch themselves until they bleed. The lesions develop on the head, the neck, the line of the back, the tail as well as on the udder; it can spread all over the body.

Bacterial superinfection may develop and enlarged lymph nodes may develop near injured areas.

Early lesions are more inflammatory with marked erythema but rapidly progress to hyperkeratosis. In a flock (particularly in fattening), the attack may remain discreet and then suddenly explode.

Typical sign of the disease

No description

Pictures

See below

Diagnostic formulas

No description

Differential diagnosis

-Psoroptic mange DR11

-Chorioptic mange DR11.3

-Besnoitiosis DR16

-Photosensitization DR30.1

- Ringworm DR12

Confirm a suspicion?

A skin sample by scraping until the blood dew then observation under the microscope makes it possible to observe the mites.

Attention the scraping must be to go until blood dew because the parasites are deep in the epidermis (difference with the psoroptes and chorioptes).

Prognosis and treatment

The prognosis may be reserved for the most serious cases, treated too late; control at the herd level can pose difficulties and the risk of relapses is real.

Treatment is carried out on the affected batch as a whole, with ivermectin or moxidectin.

A 2nd treatment is necessary two weeks later if the infestation was widespread in the lot.

Treatment of infested premises and tools is necessary with acaricides of the type

Prevention

Treat cattle introduced from suppliers or regions at risk.

References

-Veterinary Medicine-Pocket companion -9th Edition BLOOD DC-page 511