Primary Mites of Cattle
Mite | Region affected | Clinical signs | Sampling method | Zoonotic? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Sarcoptes scabieibovis | Starts on head, neck, and shoulders Can spread to the whole body | Pruritus, alopecia, papules, thickened and folded skin | Deep skin scrape | Zoonotic |
Psoroptes ovis | Base of tail, back, and flank | Severe pruritus Thick, scabby crusts Alopecia with exudative dermatitis | Superficial skin scrape | Not zoonotic Also infests sheep and goats Secondary infections common |
Chorioptes spp Primarily C bovis | Pastern and can spread up the legs to the udder, scrotum, tail, and perineum | Typically subclinical Allergic, exudative, mildly pruritic, flaky dermatitis can develop | Superficial skin scrape | Not zoonotic Smaller with rounder head and mouthparts than Psoroptes spp |
Demodex spp Primarily D bovis | Withers, neck, back, and flanks | Typically subclinical Nonpruritic Chronic inflammation, with formation of ulcers, abscesses, and fistulae | Deep skin scrape Squeezing skin folds prior to scraping can improve recovery | Not zoonotic Secondary staphylococcal infection can occur |
Psorobia bos | -- | Nonpathogenic | Deep skin scrape | Not zoonotic |