Population Increase of Psoroptes Ovis (Acari: Psoroptidae) on Stanchioned Cattle During Summer

Abstract

Cattle scabies, caused by Psoroptes ovis, became latent during the summer on 5 unstanchioned cattle in Kerrville, Texas, USA. There was a complete resolution of lesions, disappearance of pruritus, and apparent extinction of the mite population. However, the recovery that had begun in spring did not persist on 2 cattle after they were stanchioned and unable to groom. By early summer a large population of mites and extensive lesions had developed on these 2 stanchioned cattle, and the buildup of mites persisted during the summer months, a period heretofore considered unfavorable for mite development. This suggests that self-grooming contributes to a decline in the population of P. ovis and to the extent of mange during the summer. The development of large mite populations during the summer is evidence that P. ovis does not enter a quiescent stage for survival during this period.