Use of ivermectin to control sarcoptic mange in goats in Indonesia

The results of three experiments aimed at controlling sarcoptic mange in goats in Indonesia are reported. In Experiment 1 treatment with ivermectin (0.2 mg/kg body weight) or coumaphos (0.05% dip solution) resulted in a significant reduction in mite numbers and an increase in body weight while in the untreated controls all animals had to be withdrawn from the experiment due to severity of infection. In Experiment 2 three treatment levels of ivermectin were shown to be equally effective in reducing mite numbers, while again all untreated control animals were withdrawn. The third experiment demonstrated a significantly greater reduction in mite numbers following two doses of ivermectin at a seven day interval when compared to a single dose. Again the majority of untreated control animals were withdrawn. Future control strategies and reasons for failure to eliminate the presence of mites are discussed.