Mange is a common disease in pigs, but if you are careless, it can spread rapidly and negatively affect the entire herd. Therefore, early recognition and proper prevention and treatment methods are essential to keep your pigs healthy.
It is not uncommon to see pigs developing red rashes on their skin. However, there are many possible causes for skin lesions, resulting from various diseases. This makes it difficult for farmers to choose the correct and effective treatment. To determine the cause of skin irritation in pigs, the origin of the disease must be identified. One of the many conditions causing such lesions is Mange. So, what is Mange, and what are the most effective prevention and treatment strategies?
1. WHAT IS MANGE?
Sarcoptes scabiei is the most common mite in pigs. These mites burrow into the skin, causing intense itching, which can lead to trauma and skin lesions. Another less common but more difficult-to-treat type is Demodex (hair follicle mite).
Image of Demodex
2. CAUSES OF MANGE AND ITCHING IN PIGS
– Once the mites attach to the pig’s body, they burrow into the skin, feeding on epidermal cells and tissue fluids, causing dermatitis, intense itching, and possibly secondary bacterial infections.
– Mange spreads rapidly on the host due to the mite’s life cycle:
– Mites live under the epidermis. Adult females lay 3–4 eggs/day. Within approximately 5 days, eggs hatch into larvae, which then progress through developmental stages to become adults. The complete life cycle from egg to adult mite takes only 7–14 days.
– Given their rapid reproduction, early detection and prompt control are critical to minimize damage.
3. CLINICAL SIGNS OF MANGE IN PIGS
– Small red papules appear on the skin; when located at hair follicles, they cause itching, alopecia, scaling, and crusting. Over time, lesions thicken, crack, and may bleed.
– Pigs exhibit restlessness, frequent scratching, and rubbing against walls or pen structures. Lesions may become secondarily infected, leading to dermatitis or pyoderma.
– If left untreated, within 2–5 days, the condition can spread to other pigs in the same pen and eventually to the whole herd, with similar symptoms of pruritus, erythema, and crust formation.
– Mange results in poor feed intake, weight loss, reduced growth performance, weakened immunity, and increased susceptibility to other diseases. In sows, the infection can be transmitted to piglets, affecting their health and growth.
Image of itching in pigs
4. PREVENTION OF MANGE IN PIGS
– Mange control should combine hygiene management, chemoprophylaxis, and nutritional support:
Biosecurity and Hygiene Measures:
– Keep pig housing clean, dry, and well-ventilated. Regularly disinfect pens and surroundings. Products such as Dexon Supper may be used.
– Isolate healthy pigs from sick, stunted, or infected pigs.
– Provide balanced nutrition with adequate minerals, vitamins, and probiotics to strengthen herd immunity.
Chemoprophylaxis:
Use ivermectin-based products such as Intermectin or Ivermectin 6 WS.
Image of disinfect pens
5. TREATMENT OF MANGE IN PIGS
Isolation: Separate infected pigs. Clean and disinfect the contaminated area at least 3 times/week. Products such as Ivermectin 10 Oral can be used to control mites in the environment.
Preventive Treatment for In-Contact Pigs: Administer Ivermectin 6 WS in feed or water, and supplement electrolytes, vitamins, and minerals to enhance immunity.
Treatment for Infected Pigs:
– Administer injectable ivermectin at 1 ml/33 kg body weight Intermectin . Repeat after 5–7 days to prevent reinfestation.
– Bathe or spray pigs with diluted iodine solution once daily for 3–4 consecutive days.
– Treat skin inflammation with products such as Dexasone for piglets and market pigs, or Keprofen for breeding sows.
– Boost immunity with oral supplements like Betasol Oral or Aminogrow Oral.
– Support gut microbiota balance with Duspro or Haspro.
By recognizing the signs of Mange and implementing the above preventive and treatment measures, farmers can keep pigs healthy, protect herd productivity, and improve economic returns.