Experimental infection of goats with Sarcoptes scabiei var. ovis

Abstract

Goats were experimentally infected with Sarcoptes scabiei var. ovis from sheep, proving that this mite is not completely host specific.

More severe lesions were produced on goats when the mites were applied to lacerated than when applied to scarified or non-scarified areas. Lesions were more pronounced on moistened areas than dry areas, and lesions produced on dry scarified areas resembled those produced on non-scarified moistened ones.

Skin scrapings from the experimental lesions in the goats contained numerous mites of all stages, proving that the sheep mites had become well established and were reproducing actively in the experimental lesions.

Severe histopathological changes were observed in skin sections, which showed mainly thick scab formation, mites beneath the keratin and severe degenerative and necrotic changes.

Treatment of the experimental lesions with Lorexane cream (hexachlorocyclohexane) produced rapid and excellent cure.