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Bulletin No. 15 - Summer 2003
Parasitology- No Category
MELANCON J.
Mange still a threat.
Pig Progress, June 2003: 12
Changes in management systems in the North American swine industry have led to decreased prevalence of mange. However, the industry has also become less concerned about the effects of mange, although the effects can be extensive. Growing pigs may have decreased weight gain, feed conversion, and carcass value and increased hide damage. Sows may have smaller litters with lower weaning weights, and productive sow days may decrease. As yet, there is no serum test for mange diagnosis in North America. Thus, mange is diagnosed through clinical signs and lesion scoring. These methods are time-consuming and may lack sensitivity. Slaughter checks, although used less now that several years ago, may be the best method for diagnosing mange. Random prevalence surveys conducted in the United States in 2002 and in Canada in 2003 demonstrate that mange still persists at levels that cause economic losses. This should be a concern to the industry, especially since it is a disease that can be eradicated with management compliance.
