NEWS

Fears that psoroptic mange may spread to Province
By Staff Reporter

THE Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is warning farmers that there is a risk that psoroptic mange could be introduced to Northern Ireland following confirmation of the disease in Wales.
Following diagnosis of the disease in a number of farms in Wales, the Department has written to importers and breed societies advising them to consider the risks of importing potentially infected animals and the impact to the local Industry as a whole.
Psoroptic mange is a severe and debilitating skin disease of cattle caused by an infestation of mites. Cases had been previously reported in continental Europe and the USA but prior to the current outbreaks in Wales, psoroptic mange had not been detected in the UK since the 1980s.
As well as the welfare implications of psoroptic mange, the varying levels of success in treating the cases with current licensed treatments increases the economic impact of the disease. This is particularly relevant in dairy herds, due to the significant milk withdrawal periods associated with such treatments.
Clinical signs of psoroptic mange are more commonly seen in the autumn and winter although it may be difficult to spot the disease in the early stages. Symptoms include severe skin disease with scab formation along the back shoulders and tail head, intense itching, weight loss and if skin lesions are extensive, death. Spread can occur by direct animal to animal contact or contact with infested buildings or equipment which includes markets and livestock lorries.


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