How should an ear mite in piglets be treated? - briefly
«Topical acaricides such as ivermectin or selamectin, applied directly into a cleaned ear canal, eradicate ear mites in piglets». «Administer the treatment twice, seven days apart, to achieve complete elimination and prevent reinfestation».
How should an ear mite in piglets be treated? - in detail
Ear mite infestation in young swine requires prompt identification and a systematic therapeutic protocol. Diagnosis is confirmed by visual inspection of the external auditory canal, noting ceruminous debris, erythema, and the presence of motile mites or their ova. Cytological examination of ear swabs can verify species, most commonly Sarcoptes scabiei var. suidis.
Initial treatment involves topical acaricidal agents applied directly into the ear canal. Recommended products include:
- A 0.5 % ivermectin solution, administered in a volume sufficient to fill the canal (approximately 2 ml per ear), repeated after 7 days.
- A 1 % selamectin formulation, applied similarly, with a second dose after 14 days.
- A 10 % benzyl benzoate emulsion, applied once, ensuring complete coverage of the canal walls; repeat after 10 days if mites persist.
Systemic therapy may complement topical measures, especially in severe infestations or when multiple litters are affected. Options are:
- Oral ivermectin at 0.2 mg/kg body weight, single dose; repeat after 7 days.
- Injectable doramectin at 0.2 mg/kg, administered subcutaneously; repeat after 14 days.
Supportive care includes cleaning the ear canal with a mild antiseptic solution (e.g., diluted chlorhexidine) before acaricide application to remove debris and improve drug contact. After treatment, ears should be re‑examined at 7‑day intervals for at least three consecutive weeks to confirm eradication.
Preventive measures focus on biosecurity and environmental management. Strategies comprise:
- Regular cleaning of farrowing pens and bedding, using disinfectants effective against arthropods.
- Isolation of affected litters until two consecutive negative examinations.
- Routine prophylactic administration of an acaricide to all piglets at weaning, following label recommendations.
Record keeping of treatment dates, dosages, and outcomes facilitates monitoring of resistance development and informs future control plans.