Occurrence of the cattle ear mite (Raillietia auris) in southeastern Kansas

Forty-seven cattle from 8 separate herds in southeastern Kansas were examined for ear mites (Raillietia auris). Ear mites were directly observed in 12 of the animals while 19 others showed signs of infestation consisting of ulceration and blockage of the auditory canal by a thick plug of pus. The observed occurrence of infestation in 66 percent of the animals examined is higher than expected based on previous reports.