MANGE IN HORSES.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume L, Issue 12398, 20 December 1909, Page 7

MANGE IN HORSES.

The symptoms are:—"Constant rubbing or biting the skin; loss of hair, especially about the man & and tail; the formation of tiny blisters (vesicles), which burst and produce the so-called scab or crust. IF you remove one or more of these crusts and examine the lower surface with the aid of a powerful pocket lens, you will probably see the mange mite. By far the commonest species of mange attacking the horse is that known (technically) as sar-«-optic. The mites in this' form of the disease generally attack the hair and skin of the head and trunk, but tho psoroptio variety of mite seems to prefer tho root of the tail and the hair of the mane. The psoroptio species of mite, producing sarcoptic mange, chiefly attacks the limbs, especially about the fetlock joints. The other mange mite is known as symbiotes egui. In the event of an outbreak amongst a herd or stud, the. immediate separation of the diseased is of primary importance All fittings must be washed Trltrl"soiling water and washing soda, dried, and in the course of a day of .two lime-white-ened, taking particular care to see that every crevice receives its share of aotention. Carbolic acics may be added. Burn any straw or bedding that has been near or in contact with the diseased animal. Halters, head collars, clothing, harness, etc., will require complete cleansing. Take the diseased animal or animals and wash them wilh carbolic soft soap and warm water, and if the hair be long, clip it off before the washing. Dry the body, and now cress it all over with lime and sulphur lotion. If the dressing has been properly applied, parasites will be seen in an hour or less to be dead. The dressing can be reapplied where necessary in two or three days' time. It must be rubbed well in with the hands, taking care to rub in an opposite direction to wlnsh the hairs point. Isolated patches of mange do not demand that the whole of the body should be clipped or washed. The patches can be dressed witi sulphur, oil of tar, and whale or j;ns'3<j.'l oil. One ounce of oil of tar to evory Boz of sulphur and one pint of !inst»«i oil makes a dressing of suitable consistence for this purpese.