Pig Breeding Farm, Farrow-to-Finish - Belgium

Treatment with IVOMEC Injection and IVOMEC Premix resulted in overall economic improvements.
Sarcoptes scabiei var. suis was eradicated on a Belgian pig farm with a combined regime of ivermectin injection and ivermectin in feed. The detection of mites in ear scrapings, calculations of an average dermatitis score, and scratching index were used to evaluate the mange status before and after eradication. Before eradication, 28% of ear scrapings of finishers were found positive for the presence of mites, the average dermatitis score (ADS) of the finishers was 0.92 and the scratching index for the finishers was 2.0. A significant decrease was seen for all three parameters during the year after the eradication. One year after treatment, no mites were found in the ear scrapings, the ADS of the finishers was 0.31, and the scratching index for the finishers was 0.16. Adult animals were negative for the presence of mites at all times. The ADS was below the cut-off level before and after treatment and the scratching index decreased clearly after treatment. There was also an overall economical improvement related to the breeding phase and the fattening phase: sow feed consumption was reduced by 5%; re-breeding dropped 4.55%; litter size increased with 0.33 more live piglets born per litter, and farrowing increased by 0.075 more litters per sow per year. As a result, the production index increased, with 1.34 more piglets weaned per sow per year. There was an immediate improvement in feed conversion during the 5 month period after treatment. The return of the cost of treatment on this farm was reached within 3.7 months.

— Smets et al, 1999

Photo Eric Guillot

Evaluation of a mange eradication program can be done by clinical inspection for rubbing, scratching and crusts, particularly in the ears; calculating a rubbing or scratching index (RI); examination of ear scrapings for live and dead mites and mite eggs; and examination of carcasses for papular dermatitis and serological examination (ELISA test).

— Dr. T. J. Ebbesen

Back to top