Abstract
Introduction: The current cross-sectional study, which was conducted between November 2018 and March 2019, aimed to identify common mange mite species and risk factors in goats.
Methods: Skin scraping from a universal bottle was macerated and examined under a microscope. If mites were not found, skin scraping was placed in a centrifuge tube with 10% KOH, mixed, and examined under the microscope to confirm parasite presence and diagnose mite species.
Results: In this study, skin scrapings from 422 participants were analyzed, and the prevalence of mange mites was 10.4%. Sarcoptes scabiei var. caprae (7.35%), Demodex caprae (2.1%), and mixed species (0.95%) were the most prevalent, respectively. The prevalence of the disease in Haramaya and surrounding areas was 12.9% and 9%, respectively, but there was no significant difference (P > 0.05) between the two research locations. The study found that female goats had higher infestation levels (13.7%) compared to male goats (3.1%), with a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05). Adult animals had a higher prevalence of mange (10.5%) compared to young animals (10.3%), but the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). The higher level of infestation was observed in female goats (13.7%) compared to male goats (3.1%), and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The study found that mange prevalence in poor-body-condition goats was 26.4%, while in medium-body-condition goats it was 7.4%. Goats with a large herd size had the highest prevalence of mange infestation (47.7%), followed by medium (17.6%) and small (1.5%) sizes, with statistically significant variation (P < 0.05).
Conclusion: The study found that adult animals had a higher prevalence of mange (10.5%) compared to young animals (10.3%), but this difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). It was also found that the frequency of mange mites in extensive and semi-intensive management systems was 7.5% and 11.6%, respectively, with no statistically significant difference (P > 0.05). Mange mite cases require immediate action to lessen their economic impact because they are linked to poor management, low owner awareness, and a lack of animal health services.