[Psoroptic scab control in sheep herds--experiences in use of medications]

Due to an uncontrolled trade in sheep, the importance of sheep scab has increased recently. Alone in Thuringia six outbreaks occurred in 1993. Now psoroptic mange is endemic in Germany. Mutual infections between sheep and cattle seem to be extremely rare in the field. Outbreaks of sheep scab entails heavy economic losses. Therefore, control has to be successful and to aim at eradication. The survivability of the psoroptic mites aside from the host until 48 days has to be considered. Eradication can be achieved, as proved by own field trials for a period of 10 months only either by two repeated dipping using Phoxim or HCH drugs or by subcutaneous Ivermectin injections (0.2 mg/kg bodyweight) seven days apart. The success of treatment has to be checked carefully.