Sheep and Goat Mange

Sheep and goat mange is a skin disease caused by parasitic mites that affect a variety of animals. It is a common yet oftentimes overlooked condition in both sheep and goats, although it can cause significant health and welfare issues if left untreated. This article will provide an overview of mange, including its life cycle, signs and symptoms, and how it can be spread and avoided.

What is Mange?

Mange is caused by parasitic mites that live in the skin and feed off of the animals’ blood. These mites reproduce quickly, and the female mites lay eggs in the skin, which hatch into larvae and then develop into adult mites. The mites can cause a variety of skin diseases in both sheep and goats, including scabies, sarcoptic mange, and psoroptic mange.

Sheep and goat mange mites are extremely small and can be difficult to detect without the aid of a microscope. They are typically white or yellowish in color and have a pear-shaped body. They are usually less than 0.2 millimeters in length. To get an idea of just how small mange mites are, 0.2 millimeters is approximately the size of a grain of sand.

Mange in Goats

In goats, mange is most commonly caused by the Psoroptes mite and is known as Psoroptes caprae. These mites are very small and can be difficult to detect without the help of a microscope. The mites cause the skin to become thickened and scaly, which can be very itchy and can lead to further skin irritation and inflammation.

Commonly, we will see mange effect goats on their face near and around the eyes, ears, nose, and mouth. It is common to also see mange effect the backs of the legs, flank, and scrotum. More severe cases can show signs and symptoms almost anywhere on the body. It is important to take a close look at your goats when handling them in order to determine if they are suffering from mange or any other skin conditions.

Mange in Sheep

In sheep, mange is most commonly caused by the Sarcoptes mite and is known as Sarcoptes scabiei. These mites are also very small and can be difficult to detect. The mites cause the skin to become thickened and scaly, which can be extremely itchy and can lead to further skin irritation and inflammation.

Hair sheep seem to be more prone to mange infestations than wool breeds. It is thought the lanolin in sheep’s wool helps to deter mange, although this is debated. The backs of the legs, scrotum, underbelly, face, and ears are most often effected in sheep.

Signs and Symptoms of Mange

The most common signs and symptoms of mange in both sheep and goats include thickened and scaly skin, itching and scratching, and bald patches where the skin has been rubbed off due to itching. In severe cases, the skin can become inflamed and infected, leading to further health and welfare issues.

Humans cannot catch mange from sheep or goats. Mange is caused by mites that specifically target animals, and the mites cannot survive on human skin. However, it is important to take precautions when handling animals with mange, as the mites can be spread through contact with contaminated objects

How Mange is Spread

Sheep and goat mange can be spread between animals through direct contact, or indirectly through contaminated bedding and other objects. The mites can survive off of their host for a few days, so it is important to ensure that any objects that have been in contact with an animal with mange are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.

Temperature can have an effect on mange. Mites thrive in warm, humid environments, so hot and humid weather can increase the risk of mange outbreaks. In cooler and drier climates, the risk of mange is reduced.

How Mange can be Avoided

The best way to avoid sheep and goat mange is to ensure that any new animals that are brought onto a farm are thoroughly checked for signs and symptoms of the condition. Any animals that show signs of mange should be isolated from the rest of the flock until the condition has been treated. It is also important to keep the living areas of sheep and goats clean and dry, as damp and dirty conditions can encourage the spread of mange.

Treatment Options

Sheep and goat mange is typically treated with insecticides or anthelmintics. These medications are applied directly to the skin or taken orally. In addition, infected animals should be isolated from the rest of the flock until the condition has been treated.

Here at Linessa Farms, we have found the combined use of injectable Dectomax in conjunction with pour on Cylence works best for animals with mange. We will typically wipe on Cylence to the effected area and will give an IM shot of Dectomax to the affected animal at a rate of 1ml per 110 pounds of body weight. We typically will repeat the IM Dectomax again in 7 days. As a reminder, we are not veterinarians and you should always consult with your own veterinarian before administering any medication or diagnosing your animal with a condition.

Conclusion

Mange is a common condition in both sheep and goats. It is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of mange, as well as how it can be spread and avoided. If animals are showing signs of mange, they should be isolated and treated as soon as possible in order to prevent further health and welfare issues. If you would like to learn more about mange in sheep and goats, you can click HERE.