How can piglets be treated for a scabies mite? - briefly
Administer a licensed acaricide—injectable ivermectin or a topical product such as selamectin—at the label‑specified dose and repeat the dose after 7–10 days to target newly hatched mites; simultaneously clean, disinfect the environment, and treat all animals in the affected group.
How can piglets be treated for a scabies mite? - in detail
Piglets suffering from sarcoptic mange require prompt intervention to eliminate the mite, reduce skin irritation, and prevent spread within the herd. Effective control combines chemical therapy, environmental sanitation, and supportive care.
Systemic acaricides are the cornerstone of therapy. Injectable ivermectin at 0.2 mg/kg body weight, administered subcutaneously, provides rapid mite kill. Repeat dosing after 7 days ensures coverage of newly hatched larvae. For farms where ivermectin resistance is suspected, doramectin (0.2 mg/kg, intramuscular) or moxidectin (0.2 mg/kg, oral) serve as alternatives. All injectable products must be used according to label instructions and veterinary guidance to avoid residues in meat.
Topical treatments complement systemic drugs, especially for severe lesions. Dilute 10 % benzoyl peroxide solution applied to affected areas twice daily for 5 days reduces secondary bacterial infection and aids skin healing. Alternatively, a 0.5 % chlorhexidine shampoo, applied after a brief soak, can be used for whole‑herd dipping, followed by thorough drying.
Environmental management interrupts reinfestation cycles. Remove and discard heavily soiled bedding; replace with clean straw or wood shavings. Disinfect pens with a 2 % glutaraldehyde solution, ensuring contact time of at least 30 minutes. Feed and water troughs should be cleaned daily to eliminate contaminating debris.
Supportive measures improve recovery. Provide a balanced diet rich in protein and vitamin E to promote skin regeneration. Administer anti‑inflammatory medication, such as flunixin meglumine (1.1 mg/kg, intramuscular, once daily for 3 days), to alleviate pain and reduce edema. Monitor piglets for secondary bacterial infection; treat with appropriate antibiotics (e.g., penicillin G, 30,000 IU/kg, intramuscular, every 12 hours) if pus or ulceration develops.
Record‑keeping is essential for herd health programs. Log each treatment date, drug used, dosage, and observed response. Conduct follow‑up examinations at 14‑day intervals to confirm mite eradication; absence of new lesions and negative skin scrapings indicates successful control.
Implementing this integrated protocol—systemic acaricide, topical adjunct, rigorous sanitation, nutritional support, and diligent monitoring—provides a comprehensive solution for managing scabies mite infestations in young swine.