Mites and Mange of Livestock

Mange or scabies in livestock is a skin condition caused by microscopic mites in or on the skin. The mites cause intense itching and discomfort which is associated with decreased feed intake and production. Scratching and rubbing results in extensive damage to hides and fleece.

Mites are able to cause mange on different species of livestock but are somewhat host specific, thus infecting some species more severely than others.

The three most important types of mange are:

Click on each for more details.

Mange around the head of a calf