Psoroptes spp. in goats and sheep: Review

Abstract

Psoroptes spp. are the biological agents responsible for causing psoroptic mange in sheep, goats, other ungulates, and domestic and wild animals in general. They were traditionally separated into species considering host preferences, the location of the body where they occur and the morphology of male mites. Mites on the ears of rabbits and sheep were called Psoroptes cuniculi, mites on Psoroptes equi horses and more recently, based on genetic analysis all Psoroptes spp, were reclassified in Psoroptis ovis. The disease is highly infectious, cause lesions in the dermis and secondary bacterial infections can occur in untreated animals and in conditions of weakness bringing losses and losses to breeders in general. Infestations should be controlled and eradicated by injectable and acaricidal drugs administered by dips or sprays. The quarantine of the affected animals is indicated to avoid the propagation of the mites in the herd and the environment.