Control of Sarcoptes scabiei Infestation with Ivermectin in a Large Intensive Breeding Piggery

Ivermectin given in a single subcutaneous dose of 300 mug/kg was tested for safety and efficacy against swine hyperkeratotic scabies in a large breeding piggery. Approximately 15% of the adult population was showing severe clinical mange. Skin scrapings were taken from 40 affected animals to provide parasite counts. Eight of 40 animals were used as untreated controls; all test animals were injected subcutaneously on day 0 with Ivermectin. General improvement was noted as early as eight days after treatment. Scratching stopped by day 21 in all treated animals. The results are discussed in regard to a control program for Sarcoptes scabiei infestation in pigs.