What makes pigs itch

The sexes can also be distinguished by this means, the male pattern being sucker-sucker-bristle-sucker and the female, sucker-sucker-bristle-bristle. The mite lives in galleries in the horny skin and feeds on epidermal cells. The female lays up to 50 eggs which hatch into larvae and then moult through 2 stages as nymphs to become adults, sometimes within 10 days, but more usually within days. They can only multiply on the pig, but can survive for weeks in moist cool conditions.

Initial infestation is followed by multiplication of the mites and sensitisation of the host. The burrowing and feeding activities of the mites then cause intense pruritis irritation which causes scratching which in turn results in the rupture of small vesicles blisters near the burrows of the mites.

The fluid released dries on the skin to block the mite burrows weeks after infection and hyperkeratinisation thickening of the skin occurs and is greatest in older pigs. Transmission is usually by direct contact between pigs and can be from the sow to piglets or after mixing. Indirect transmission can occur, as pen furniture may carry the eggs, nymphs or adults for up to 3 weeks where rubbing has taken place.

Transmission between farms is usually by the introduction of infected pigs, but contaminated clothing or carriage of pigs from the farm in contaminated transport could also introduce infection.

The most obvious sign of mange in pigs is scratching. Affected pigs scratch constantly, especially in hot weather, rubbing against any fixed object. Pigs with mange often appear redder than their less severely affected pen-mates.

On close inspection, small red spots can be seen and there is general reddening about the eyes, around the snout, on the inner surface of the ear flaps, between the legs and the body and on the front of the legs where the skin is thin. Scratching results in damage to the rubbed skin and the formation of brownish scabs on the damaged areas.

Subsequently the skin become wrinkled, covered with crusty patches and thickened. Vet Liz Bennett explains how to identify it and what treatment will be required. A lot of pet pigs, especially older ones, have skin that is scurfy and flaky. It can even look like it is cracking. This is often simply dry skin where low humidity has dried out the external layers. If a pig seems particularly itchy, though, this could mean a more serious problem. Sarcoptic mange is caused by a mite Sarcoptes scabiei var suis that lives in the skin.

It is a host-specific mite that is spread from pig to pig by direct contact or contact with recently contaminated surfaces. It can persist in the environment for up to three weeks in ideal conditions, so bear this in mind if transporting your pig or sharing equipment. These microscopic ectoparasites will cause rough, scaly skin and the pig will be very itchy, which will lead to red, inflamed areas that can bleed.

It usually starts behind the ears, but then spreads across the body. Head shaking can be persistent and may lead to secondary ear damage, such as aural haematomas large blood blisters within the ear flap. Pigs can also become hypersensitive to the mites usually weeks after the initial infection , causing small red pimples that will cover the entire body. As the disease progresses, chronic lesions will occur with thick encrustations in the ears, behind the elbows and on the hind legs.

It is not just skin signs that are seen with mange; because of the irritation, aggression may also be a feature, including tail, ear and vulva biting. Mange is caused by mites small parasites that live in the skin and often occurs in small pig herds. The skin becomes itchy and the pig rubs itself against pen walls and other objects. Other symptoms are bare patches, heavy crusts, and lines on the body that look like ribs. Initially, mange affects the ears, but it can spread to other parts of the body.

To treat mange, use spray-on or pour-on medication, or an injection that also treats worms. Sows infect their piglets. Boars are often more severely infected than sows, and need careful attention. Pig lice are large and easy to see. Look for them around the head and neck, and between the legs. They cause skin irritation and scratching, and can be treated with insecticidal sprays.

This affects young piglets, and can result in death. The crusts can spread all over the body. The disease is caused by bacteria and can be treated with antibiotic injections. Typical symptoms are blisters — mainly around the mouth, snout and feet — which burst and cause sores. A sow may also get sores on her teats, preventing the piglets from suckling.

Unfortunately, there is no treatment for FMD.