The significance of ear mange (Psoroptes cuniculi) infestation level in does and their offspring

Abstract

This experiment was performed with a Pannon White rabbit stock based on 200 does and their young, over a period of approximately three years. A close (r=0.86) correlation was ascertained between the degree of infection of ear mange (Psoroptes cuniculi) in the does and that in their offspring prior to weaning. After three and four mon ths treatment of the breeding does with ivermectin injection at 200µg per kg b.w. on two occasions, 7 to 10 days apart, a significant increase in the degree of detectable infection in the five-week-old progeny was observed. Treatment of the breeding does on five occasions resulted in a significant decrease in the degree of infection in the 5-week- old progeny within the stock. The degree of infection among the offspring of a doe is primarily dependent on her own condition with respect to infection. However, the practical implication of the findings made is that, on the basis of the above epidemiological data, protective treatment against ear mange should be based on treatment of does, to ensure effectiveness of the treatment at farm level together with the economic advantages attainable (i.e., treating only does but within a strictly controlled veterinary programme) Treating does three times per year with ivermectin injection at 200 µg per kg b.w. on two occasions, 7 to 10 days apart, appears to be an effective alternative for the purpose of controlling ear mange at farm level.