Prevalence of mange in small ruminants of Kullu district, Himachal Pradesh with special reference to efficacy of different therapeutic trials

A total of 280 sheep and 160 goats were examined for the prevalence of mange infestation in District Kullu of Himachal Pradesh. The overall prevalence was 17.5% and 19.37% in sheep and goats respectively. Two genera of mange mites, Sarcoptes sp. and Demodex sp. were recorded in goats, whereas only Sarcoptes sp. was found in sheep. Higher prevalence was observed in females and young animals with poor body condition. Infestation in maximum number of animals was observed during November and December months of winter season. In the therapeutic trial it was observed that a single treatment of the mange infested animals with doramectin @200 μg/kg body weight reduced the mean lesion score to 1 on day 20 post treatment. No reinfestation with mange mites was observed up to 60 days in animals treated with doramectin along with treatment of animal environment with deltamethrin.