psoroptic mange

A parasitic dermatitis of many species caused by Psoroptes spp. mites. They are P. cervinus (deer), P. equi, P. natalensis (cattle and water buffalo) and P. ovis (sheep, goats and cattle). The common ear mange mites are P. cuniculi. The disease in sheep is serious with much damage to fleece and some deaths. Goats and horses show mostly ear mange with much head shaking but lesions can occur anywhere on the body. In cattle the lesions are widespread and itching is severe. Called also sheep-scab, body mange, ear mange.