Demodicidosis in livestock in West Bengal (India)

Of 2820 livestock, comprising 472 cattle, 294 goats, 128 pigs and 665 dogs of urban and rural areas of West Bengal (India), 89 (3.15%) were found to suffer from demodicidosis. Highest infestation rate (3.87%) was observed in dogs followed by cattle (3.11%), goats (2.44%) and pigs (1.44%). The infestation rate did not differ significantly between urban and rural areas. Head, neck and face were the common sites of lesions followed by extremities and body surfaces. Females were infested more than males. Animals of all age groups suffered from mange infestation, though highest infestation (18.00%) was observed in 36-47 months of age and lowest (10.11%) in 72 months and above age groups. Some bacterial invaders were isolated from the demodectic lesions, which were found sensitive to a number of common antibiotics. Fungi like Trichophyton mentagrophytes could also be isolated from the lesions.