Sarcoptic Mange in Camels

Study Notes

Sarcoptic mange is a highly contagious and prevalent disease in camels, especially in cold and humid areas.
It is considered the second most important disease in camels, causing severe losses, after trypanosomiasis.
Characterized by itching, dermatitis, and emaciation in chronic cases.

Caused by burrowing mites (Sarcoptes Scabei var cameli).
Predisposing factors include:
- Young and old camels with lowered immunity.
- Concurrent diseases such as parasitic infestations, trypanosomiasis, and tuberculosis.
- Large camel populations and malnutrition.

Female Sarcoptes deposit eggs deeply in the skin, which hatch into larvae within 2-4 days.
Larvae develop into nymphs, which molt to produce male and female mites after 4 days.
Females start laying eggs again after mating, completing the life cycle in 15-21 days.

Transmitted through direct and indirect contact among camels and to humans.
Clinical findings include:
- Severe itching and hairless areas on the skin.
- Itching, folding of affected skin with ulceration and scab formation.
- Emaciation in chronic cases and reduced milk production in lactating she-camels.

Diagnosed through:
- Clinical signs.
- Microscopical examination of skin scrapings.
- Significant eosinophilia in the blood.
Differential diagnosis includes:
- Streptothricosis (mycotic dermatitis or lumpy wool).
- Ringworm.
- Camel pox.
- Lice infestation.

Treatment involves:
- Clipping, washing, and drying camels before treatment.
- Parenteral treatment with ivermectine 1% at 0.2 mg/kg, repeatable after 15 days.
- Spraying treatment with diazenon, Neocidol, and gold fleece at 1/1000, repeated every 10 days for 3-4 times.
- Pour-on treatment with ivermectine pour-on.
- Topical treatment with sulfur ointment 10%.
Control measures include:
- Periodical spraying of camels and their surroundings with acaricidal.
- Isolation and treatment of affected camels.
- Ensuring camels' rations contain vitamin "A" and minerals.