Psoroptic mange

Psoroptic mange is a debilitating skin disease similar to sheep scab.

The disease is caused by the psoroptes mite which is in the same family as the sheep scab mite.

It is prevalent in Europe, particularly Belgium, and it is likely that the disease has entered the UK through the importation of infected cattle.

The disease had not been reported in the UK since the early 1980s but new cases were seen over the winter of 2008–2009 in beef cattle in south west Wales.

Since then, further outbreaks have been reported and an increased number over future winters is predicted.

• Inspect stock regularly
• Look for signs of skin disease on shoulders, withers and tail
• Call a vet to examine and take samples at the first signs of infection
• Treat according to veterinary instructions
• Ensure follow-up monitoring and sampling

• Do not sell affected stock unless directly to slaughter
• Be careful when buying cattle, especially in the summer
• Always consider the risk of importing disease when importing new cattle

• Psoroptic mange spreads through direct contact with infected cattle
• It can also be transmitted via contamined vehicles and livestock markets
• All cattle breeds are susceptible, but Belgian Blues might be at higher risk

• Intense itching
• Crusting lesions over the tail head, neck and shoulder regions
• Weight loss
• Reduced production

The disease may present few symptoms (sub clinical) over the summer with more severe symptoms in the autumn and winter. It also has welfare implications.

• No licensed treatments currently available specifically for psoroptic mange
• The disease often does not respond to lvermectins
• It is resistant to synthetic pyrethroids
• Treatment may need to be off-label with more frequent dosing
• Rapid veterinary diagnosis and skin scraping are recommended