HEEL MITES CAN RUIN THE HARD WORK YOU’VE PUT INTO YOUR LAMB OR GOAT’S SHAG

What Are Heel Mites?

Heel mites, also called Chorioptic mites, burrow into the skin at the lower legs of lambs and goats. They reproduce slowly—laying about one egg per day—but the damage they cause can be dramatic. The entire life cycle occurs on the host, so infestations persist unless every animal and the environment are treated simultaneously.

Signs & Detection

Early infestations may go unnoticed because affected animals often show no obvious itching. Over time you may notice:

• Scaly, crusty or scabby skin between the dew claws and down the pasterns
• Hair loss or thinning shag around the hooves and occasionally up the leg
• Thickened skin that looks like it has been burned
• Goats or lambs stamping their feet or biting at their legs

Inspect all four feet when animals are on the stand. Use a flashlight to examine between the toes and around the coronary band. Mites may also occur higher up the leg and around the tail head. Because these mites spread easily via contact, assume that if one animal has them, the rest of the barn has been exposed.

Treatment Protocols

Treat the entire herd at the same time to break the mite life cycle. Injectable ivermectin administered at 200 µg/kg is effective against adult mites and larvae. Repeat the injection after 14 days to kill newly hatched mites. For localized lesions, mix 1 pint of mineral oil, ½ oz Provilli and ½ cc Prolate. Wash the affected areas with this mixture, let it sit for a few minutes, then blow it into the hair and wrap the legs with bandages. Socks can trap moisture, so use breathable wraps that won’t irritate the skin.

Step‑by‑step protocol

1. Quarantine symptomatic animals and treat all goats and lambs in the barn.
2. Inject ivermectin or Dectomax according to label directions.
3. Wash feet and pasterns with the mineral‑oil/Provilli/Prolate mixture and let it soak.
4. Dry thoroughly and wrap with breathable bandages to prevent reinfestation.
5. Repeat the injection in 14 days and continue topical treatments every three days until skin is clear.

Preventing Re‑infestation

Heel mites thrive in bedding and on equipment. Clean and disinfect pens, trailers and show stands. Replace bedding regularly and keep the environment dry. Quarantine any new animals for at least two weeks and treat them before integrating them into the herd. When returning from shows, wash and inspect animals immediately to ensure you don’t bring mites home.

Supporting Skin Health

Treatments can dry skin, so condition legs after cleansing. Products rich in medium‑chain triglycerides, such as our Provilli skin and gut health supplement, moisturize without creating a greasy buildup. Balanced nutrition—adequate protein, zinc, selenium and vitamin E—strengthens skin resilience and speeds healing.

FAQs

Do heel mites affect pigs or cattle? Chorioptic mites primarily infest small ruminants. Other species have their own mite species.

Is it safe to use ivermectin in pregnant does? Consult your veterinarian; many producers avoid treatment during the first trimester.

How soon will hair regrow? After mites are eliminated, hair usually regrows within three to four weeks.

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With diligent treatment and sanitation, heel mites can be eliminated before they derail your hard‑earned shag. Act quickly when you spot early lesions and support the skin with proper nutrition and conditioning.