Moxidectin Efficacy in a Goat Herd with Chronic and Generalized Sarcoptic Mange

Nektarios D Giadinis,Rania Farmaki,Nikolaos Papaioannou,Alexander F Koutinas,Elias Papadopoulos,Harilaos Karatzias

doi:10.4061/2011/476348

Nektarios D Giadinis, Rania Farmaki + Show 4 more

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https://doi.org/10.4061/2011/476348

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Abstract

A case of sarcoptic mange affecting almost all the animals of a dairy goat herd is described. This pruritic skin disease led progressively to high mortality and dramatic drop of milk yield. The lesions of the affected goats were typical of a chronic and generalized-diffuse sarcoptic mange. Diagnosis was confirmed by skin scrapings and histopathology in which many mites were demonstrated. All surviving goats were treated with injectable moxidectin solution 1% (CYDECTIN-Fort Dodge) at the dose of 0.2 mg/kg, applied every 15 days for four times, subcutaneously. Although pruritus had decreased soon after the first treatment, a satisfactory healing of cutaneous lesions was witnessed 6 weeks after the beginning of moxidectin trial. Parasitological cure was achieved in all affected animals by the end of the trial. In the four monthly followups, no evidence of sarcoptic mange could be found.

Highlights

Sarcoptic mange is a highly contagious and pruritic acariosis of the skin affecting more than 100 domestic and wild mammalian species, including humans [1,2,3]
Sarcoptic mange is a common problem in our traditional goat herds, leading to heavy animal losses if left untreated
This preliminary open trial has shown that treatment with moxidectin is effective, safe, and practical for goats, especially when it is coupled with thorough cleaning and disinfection of the premises with acaricidal solutions

Summary

Introduction

Sarcoptic mange is a highly contagious and pruritic acariosis of the skin affecting more than 100 domestic and wild mammalian species, including humans [1,2,3]. The disease has been reported to affect mainly the traditional goat herds, with the newly purchased animals known to serve as the main source of the contamination [2, 6, 7]. Sarcoptic mange is a common ectoparasitic disease in this country, affecting almost all domestic animal species and especially pigs, goats, sheep, and dogs [9,10,11], there have been no adequate epidemiological studies to address the problem among small ruminant flocks or herds

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