THE FACTS ABOUT MANGE IN SHOW PIGS

Understanding Mange Mites & Their Lifecycle

Mange in swine is almost always caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei var suis. These gray‑white pests are under 1/32 inch long and can be seen with the naked eye against a dark background. They tunnel through the skin and lay eggs, completing their life cycle on the host in 10–15 days. Off the pig, they survive only for short periods—less than two hours at 70 °F—and cannot live in dry bedding. Understanding this lifecycle is key to effective control.

Diagnosis & Differentiating Skin Conditions

Mites spread pig to pig and almost always start inside the ear. Itching is the hallmark symptom, but lesions range from red raised pustules to dry, scaly patches. To confirm mange, perform a skin scraping from the ear and examine it under a microscope or on a black sheet of paper. Blow away the dry skin and you’ll see white or light gray mites. Not all skin lesions are mange; show pigs often get dermatitis from improper shampooing or fungal infections.

Comprehensive Treatment Strategies

Control requires treating every pig on the premises at the same time. Injectable ivermectin or Dectomax given at label dosage kills mites; repeat the dose two weeks later to target eggs. In heavy infestations, spray pigs with Prolate every three days for 18 days to kill mites that emerge between injections. Use a sprayer with a wand to cover the underside thoroughly. Follow up with topical conditioners like Provilli to help lesions heal and moisturize dry skin.

Takeaway facts about mange

• The mange mite lifecycle is all on the pig; bedding is not a source.
• Mites survive off the host only briefly—less than two hours at 70 °F.
• Not every skin lesion is mange; rule out dermatitis and fungal conditions.
• Injectables and repeated Prolate sprays are the treatments of choice.

Environmental Management & Prevention

Because mites cannot survive long off the host, focus on eliminating transmission. Treat all pigs, including boars and sows, to prevent re‑infestation. Quarantine new arrivals for at least two weeks and treat them before mixing with the herd. Keep barns clean and dry; maintain ventilation to reduce humidity. Bedding from farm stores is not the source of mange, but washable mats and feed pans can harbor mites for short periods, so clean them after treatment. Avoid contact with pigs from unknown herds at shows.

Supportive Skin Care

After mites are killed, pigs may still have flaky, irritated skin. Gentle shampooing and thorough rinsing remove dead mites and scabs. Apply conditioners containing medium‑chain triglycerides or aloe to restore moisture. Products like Clean Sweep dewormer for show pigs combine parasite control with ingredients that soothe skin, making them ideal for recovery. Provide a balanced diet with adequate protein, vitamins A and E, and minerals like zinc to rebuild the skin barrier.

Key Takeaways & FAQs

• Can mange come from bedding? No. Mites cannot survive in bedding or feed.
• Why treat all pigs? Untreated animals become reservoirs that reinfect the herd.
• How soon after treatment can I show my pig? Wait until all injections and sprays are complete and lesions are healed.
• Should I use feed‑through dewormers? Use injectables first; feed‑through products are not effective against mange mites.

By understanding mite biology and following a thorough treatment protocol, you can eliminate mange and keep your pigs comfortable and productive.