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Bovine scabies
Mange is a skin disease caused by microscopic mites that live on or in the skin of cattle. Several types of scabies exist in cows: they are distinguished by the mite in question and by the areas of the body affected, but all cause itching a...
What is it?
Mange is a skin disease caused by microscopic mites that live on or in the skin of cattle.
Several types of scabies exist in cows: they are distinguished by the mite in question and by the areas of the body affected, but all cause itching and lesions on the skin.
It is very contagious between cattle and spreads especially in winter, when the animals are gathered in buildings and the coat is thick.
Commonly observed signs
These signs are neither exhaustive nor specific. Only a veterinarian can establish a diagnosis.
Related signs — each one links to its page:
Intense itching: animals rub against walls, barriers, railings, lick and bite themselves.
Loss of hair in patches, thickened, wrinkled skin, often dirty gray.
Scabs, scales and oozing lesions, sometimes superinfected.
The affected areas vary depending on the type of mange: neck, withers and back, base of the tail, back of the legs, around the dewlap.
Lesions gradually expand from a starting point.
Dull, poorly maintained coat throughout the animal.
Weight loss, slowed growth in young people, drop in milk production in cows.
Agitated animals, which interrupt their meal to scratch themselves.
When to consult without delay
This list does not replace veterinary advice. It gathers situations that justify a prompt consultation.
Causes and risk factors
Microscopic mites, invisible to the naked eye, which dig galleries in the skin or live on its surface depending on the species.
They cause an allergic reaction in the skin, responsible for most of the itching.
Scratching aggravates the lesions and opens the door to bacterial infections.
These mites survive a short time outside the animal, but long enough to contaminate through equipment or cubicles.
Winter housing: close-packed animals, numerous contacts, thick and damp coat.
The high density of animals and the lack of ventilation in the building.
The introduction of animals without quarantine.
Animals that are weakened, poorly nourished, or already suffering from another disease.
Young cattle and animals in early lactation.
Sharing material between batches without cleaning.
Transmission
By direct contact between animals: this is the main route, very effective in stalls.
By shared equipment: brushes, halters, blankets, restraint equipment, headrails and cubicles.
By the clothes and hands of people who successively handle several batches.
The introduction of an infested animal is enough to contaminate an entire building.
Some cattle carry mites without visible lesions and maintain contamination of the herd.
Diagnosis and care
Diagnosis is the veterinarian's responsibility, based on clinical examination and laboratory tests. Care is decided case by case.
The diagnosis is not made by eye: other skin diseases give the same appearance, and the treatment is not the same.
The veterinarian scrapes the skin at the edge of the lesions, observed under a microscope, to identify the mite in question.
He checks the entire herd, because the less affected animals maintain the problem.
It rules out other causes of itching and scabs, including ringworm, which is common in cattle and which is easily transmitted to humans.
Also show him animals that don't have lesions but are scratching: they are often the key.
Treatment
Treatment is based on acaricides, administered externally or generally depending on the case; the prescription is the responsibility of the veterinarian.
All animals in the batch must be treated at the same time, including those without any lesions: treating only visibly affected animals means having to start again.
A single treatment is generally not enough, because the eggs are not affected; the veterinarian indicates the plan to follow.
The building and equipment must be cleaned and disinfected at the same time: brushes, halters, blankets, cubicles, restraint equipment.
Superinfected lesions may require additional treatment.
Respect the waiting times for milk and meat, which only the prescribing veterinarian can specify.
Avoid repeated use of the same acaricide without advice: as with other parasites, systematic use ends up selecting resistance.
Treatment depends on the cause and the animal's condition: it must be determined by a veterinarian. No self-medication.
Prevention
Quarantine of any animal purchased, with examination of the skin before introduction into the herd.
Well-ventilated buildings, reasonable density, clean and dry litter.
Cleaning and disinfection of equipment between batches; avoid sharing brushes and halters.
Reinforced surveillance upon entry into the stable and during winter, the period when scabies sets in.
Good nutrition: animals in good condition resist better and heal more quickly.
Processing the entire batch as soon as a case is confirmed, without waiting for the others to scratch.
Possible complications
Bacterial superinfection of scratching lesions.
Permanently thickened and wrinkled skin in previously affected areas.
Weight loss, stunted growth among young people, persistent decline in milk production.
Agitated animals that eat poorly and injure themselves by rubbing against the facilities.
Repeated recurrences when the building and equipment have not been treated.
When to see a veterinarian
One or more animals are constantly scratching and rubbing against the facilities.
Hairless patches, scabs or thickened skin appear, especially in winter.
The lesions spread or spread to other animals in the group.
The animals lose weight or milk production drops even though the ration has not changed.
People who handle animals experience itchy spots: talk to the veterinarian and your doctor.
Transmission to humans
Certain cattle mange can cause itchy spots in humans on the forearms, stomach or thighs, in areas in contact with the animal.
These mites do not multiply permanently on human skin: the lesions generally disappear on their own once the animals have been treated.
Wash your hands and forearms after handling affected animals, and change your work clothes.
If the itching persists or spreads, consult a doctor, making it clear that you are working with cattle.
Ringworm, which resembles scabies and is very common in cattle, is also transmitted to humans: hence the importance of a precise veterinary diagnosis.
Prognosis
Properly treated, on a batch scale and with disinfection of the building, scabies heals and the hairs grow back in a few weeks.
Relapses are common when only visibly affected animals have been treated.
Losses in production are partially compensated for, but a delay in growth in a young person is not completely compensated for.
Farms that practice real quarantine upon purchase avoid most episodes.
Frequently asked questions
Should I treat all my pets or just those that scratch?
The whole lot. Animals without visible lesions often carry mites and recontaminate others as soon as treatment ends. This is the number one cause of failure.
Can I get mange from my cows?
You may have itchy spots in places in contact with animals. These mites do not settle permanently on humans and the lesions regress once the herd has been treated. If they persist, consult a doctor, specifying your activity.
How to distinguish scabies from ringworm?
To the eye, with difficulty: both give hairless patches and scabs. The scabies itch a lot more. Only a skin sample examined by the veterinarian can make a decision, and the treatments are different.
Should the building be disinfected?
Yes. Mites survive for a while in litter, on brushes, halters and restraining equipment. Without cleaning, scabies returns after treatment.
References
FAO — Organisation des Nations unies pour l'alimentation et l'agriculture
Content reviewed by the TunisieVet editorial team · Updated 09 August 2026
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