MANGE IN PIGS

Taranaki Daily News, 11 September 1934, Page 25 (Supplement)

MANGE IN PIGS

CAUSES OF INFECTION. “Mange is an infectious disease due to the presence in the skin of a tiny microscopic mite,” statps Mr. D. Marshall, M.R.C.V.S., in the New Zealand Journal of Agriculture. The female burrows in the skin to lay her eggs. An intense itch is set up. The disease has been mistaken for sunburn or for eczema of dietetic origin. The parasite will not live very long apart from the pig. As a rule, the disease has been seen following introduction of fresh pigs, but some outbreaks of it have developed through its presence in a sow in a mild and unrecognised chronic stage, over some considerable period. “The chief symptom is the intense itch, greater than that caused by. lice. The disease commonly appears behind the ears, spreading along the back and sides, the skin shows minute. red spots; later a dry thick crust rises, and the skin itself becomes thickened and hairless; the constant rubbing aggravates tire lesion; in young pigs growth- stops;: condition is lost and some deaths may result of other diseases gaining a footing. . “Thorough oiling with waste oil, or crude fuel oil, ■ twice. at intervals of a week, will cure most-cases and a riiarked improvement. in general condition frequently results. All contacts, should, also be treated, arid where ' a considerable number of pigs is involved dipping •is

tire most convenient method of treatment, the dip containing a layer of oil floating on the water,' or an antiseptic solution. Some breeders make a practice of dipping all purchased pigs, and believe that besides preventing the introduction of skin-parasites, it helps to protect against other infections. Suspected cases should be reported to the nearest Inspector of Stock, who will advise as to treatment. It is an offence to expose for sale pigs affected with this disease.”