How to treat subcutaneous tick in piglets? - briefly
Use a systemic acaricide—e.g., injectable ivermectin or doramectin at the label‑specified dose—to eliminate the parasite, and clean the affected area with antiseptic while providing analgesics if needed. Monitor the piglet for residual inflammation or secondary infection and adjust treatment accordingly.
How to treat subcutaneous tick in piglets? - in detail
Effective management of subcutaneous tick infestations in young pigs requires accurate diagnosis, prompt removal, appropriate pharmacotherapy, and preventive measures.
First, confirm the presence of ticks beneath the skin by palpating firm, raised nodules that may contain a visible tick or a darkened cavity. In severe cases, ultrasonography can delineate the parasite’s location and assess tissue reaction.
Removal should be performed under sedation or local anesthesia to minimize stress. Use a sterile, fine‑point forceps to grasp the tick’s mouthparts as close to the skin as possible, applying steady traction to extract the whole organism. If the tick ruptures, irrigate the wound with sterile saline and apply a topical antiseptic.
Pharmacological intervention includes:
- Antiparasitic agents – administer a systemic acaricide such as ivermectin (0.2 mg/kg subcutaneously) or doramectin (0.2 mg/kg intramuscularly) to eliminate residual parasites and prevent secondary infestation.
- Anti‑inflammatory medication – give meloxicam (0.4 mg/kg orally) for 3–5 days to reduce local swelling and pain.
- Antibiotic coverage – provide a broad‑spectrum injectable antibiotic (e.g., enrofloxacin 5 mg/kg intramuscularly) for 5 days if signs of bacterial infection appear, such as purulent discharge or systemic fever.
Supportive care involves cleaning the extraction site daily with a mild antiseptic solution, applying a sterile dressing if needed, and monitoring temperature and appetite. Ensure adequate hydration and nutrition to promote healing.
Preventive strategies focus on environmental control and herd management:
- Maintain dry, well‑ventilated housing to discourage tick survival.
- Implement regular pasture rotation and remove tall grasses where ticks may hide.
- Treat breeding sows and older pigs with long‑acting acaricides before farrowing to reduce the parasite load transferred to piglets.
- Conduct routine inspection of piglets during the first two weeks of life, removing any detected ticks promptly.
By integrating precise identification, careful extraction, targeted drug therapy, and rigorous biosecurity, subcutaneous tick infestations in piglets can be resolved efficiently, minimizing tissue damage and production losses.