The prevalence of itchmite, Psorergates ovis, among sheep flocks with a history of fleece derangement [New South Wales]

Johnson, P.W.; Plant, J.W.; Boray, J.C.; Blunt, S.C.; Nicholls, P.J. . Central Veterinary Lab.

The prevalence of itchmite, Psorergates ovis, among sheep flocks with a history of fleece derangement [New South Wales]

1990

Johnson, P.W. | Plant, J.W. | Boray, J.C. | Blunt, S.C. | Nicholls, P.J. (New South Wales Agriculture and Fisheries, Glenfield (Australia). Central Veterinary Lab.)

In 26 of the 41 New South Wales flocks examined, totalling 711 sheep, P. ovis was the only ectoparasite detected. P. ovis and the sheep body louse Damalinia ovis, were found in 5 flocks. Among flocks, there were positive relations between the prevalence of fleece derangement and prevalence of itchmite or scurf and between mean itchmite count and mean scurf score. Within flocks, itchmite infested sheep or sheep with scurf had higher prevalences of fleece derangement than sheep on which no mites or no scurf were found. Itchmite infested sheep had a higher prevalence of scurf than those with no detectable mite infestation. There were no significant differences in itchmite populations or fleece derangement between untreated flocks and flocks treated with synthetic pyrethroids, organophosphates or arsenic and rotenone.

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