Related Experiment Videos
Sarcoptic mite hypersensitivity and skin lesions in slaughtered pigs
P R Davies1, M J Moore, A M Pointon
1Department of Agriculture, Adelaide, South Australia.
The Veterinary Record
|June 1, 1991
Summary
Papular skin lesions in slaughtered pigs indicate hypersensitivity to sarcoptic mange mites (Sarcoptes scabiei var suis). Monitoring these lesions aids in assessing herd severity and implementing effective control measures.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Dermatology
- Parasitology
- Animal Husbandry
Background:
- Papular skin lesions are frequently observed in slaughtered pigs.
- The etiology of these lesions, particularly their link to parasitic infections, requires clarification.
- Understanding the cause is crucial for animal welfare and economic reasons in swine production.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between papular skin lesions in pigs and hypersensitivity to Sarcoptes scabiei var suis.
- To determine the diagnostic value of these lesions for assessing sarcoptic mange severity in pig herds.
Main Methods:
- Experimental infestations of pigs with Sarcoptes scabiei var suis.
- Field studies correlating lesion scores with clinical mange prevalence.
- Retrospective analysis of slaughter monitoring records.
Main Results:
- Experimental evidence confirmed Sarcoptes scabiei var suis as the cause of lesions.
- High lesion scores correlated with increased clinical mange in herds.
- Improved mange control reduced lesion severity.
- Lesions demonstrated high specificity for sarcoptic mite hypersensitivity (0.79–0.92) and generalized lesions were highly specific for mange (≥0.98).
Conclusions:
- Papular skin lesions are a reliable indicator of hypersensitivity to Sarcoptes scabiei var suis.
- Assessing lesion severity in slaughtered pigs is a valuable tool for evaluating herd-level sarcoptic mange.
- This finding supports targeted interventions for improved swine health and productivity.