1. Psoroptic mites: These mites cause sheep scab, a highly contagious skin disease.
* Appearance: They are reddish-brown and oval-shaped.
* Life cycle: They feed on skin and burrow into the wool fibers, causing intense itching, skin inflammation, hair loss, and scabs.
* Symptoms: Sheep will scratch, rub, and bite themselves, leading to skin lesions, secondary infections, and weight loss.
* Transmission: Psoroptic mites can spread through direct contact between sheep, as well as through contaminated shearing equipment or fencing.
2. Chorioptic mites: These mites cause chorioptic mange.
* Appearance: They are smaller and less visible than psoroptic mites.
* Life cycle: They live in the deeper layers of the skin, causing less noticeable symptoms than sheep scab.
* Symptoms: Sheep may show patches of hair loss, red, scaly skin, and mild itching.
* Transmission: Similar to psoroptic mites, they spread through direct contact and contaminated surfaces.
Other mites affecting sheep:
* Demodex mites: Cause demodectic mange, a less common condition characterized by hair loss and skin lesions around the face and head.
* Sarcoptes mites: Can affect sheep, but they are more commonly associated with other animals, like dogs.
Impact of mites on sheep:
* Health problems: Mites can lead to skin infections, weight loss, reduced productivity, and even death.
* Economic losses: Outbreaks of sheep scab can significantly impact sheep farming through decreased wool production, treatment costs, and potential market restrictions.
* Animal welfare: Mites cause intense itching and discomfort for sheep, impacting their overall well-being.
Control and prevention:
* Early detection: Regular inspection of sheep is crucial for identifying mites and implementing control measures.
* Treatment: Treatment for mite infestations typically involves dipping or spraying sheep with acaricides (mite-killing chemicals).
* Biosecurity: Maintaining good hygiene practices, isolating infected sheep, and disinfecting equipment can help prevent the spread of mites.
* Vaccination: A sheep scab vaccine is available in some countries and can help reduce the severity of outbreaks.
It's important to consult with a veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment of mite infestations in sheep.