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Bulletin No. 19 - Fall 2004
Parasitology- No Category
VERCRUYSSE J, GEURDEN T
Development of a new antibody ELISA for swine mange using meat extract samples
Proceedings of International Pig Veterinary Society 18th Congress, June 27-July 1, 2004, Hamburg, Germany, Volume 2, Page 568, Abstract No. 501
Despite the availability of highly effective treatments, the mange mite Sarcoptes scabiei var suis continues to cause problems for the pig industry worldwide. Conclusive diagnosis is still difficult because of the minute size of the parasite, its location within the skin, and the nonspecific clinical signs, which include pruritus. Although serologic ELISA testing has proven successful in identifying infested herds, its use may be restricted due to difficulties in sampling (i.e. collection of serum). Meat extract samples offer the opportunity to reduce procurement costs and increase sample availability as meat extract samples can be readily obtained during the harvest process. This enables large numbers of market swine to be sampled while maintaining site traceability capabilities. Therefore, the potential for meat extract samples to be used as an antibody carrier for S. scabiei antibodies in swine was also investigated. A total of 106 samples (ear scrapings, serum and diaphragm meat) were collected at the slaughterhouse. Scrapings were examined microscopically for mites, and if negative, by KOH incubation. Sera and meat juice were tested using the Ghent assay. There was a good correspondence between the mean ODR of the serum and meat juice samples (correlation coefficient of 0.80), suggesting that meat juice may provide a useful diagnostic tool to determine if skin lesions are due to Sarcoptes. This test allows veterinarians, packers and producers to early identify low levels or subclinical stages of a mange infestation, which are often ignored or underestimated on a herd level.
