Sarcoptes mite epidemiology and treatment in African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) calves captured for translocation from the Kafue game management area to game ranches

Sarcoptes mange (Sarcoptes scarbiei) was detected and eradicated from two herds of African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) calves captured in the Kafue GMA in July 2004 and August 2005. The overall prevalence was estimated at 89.5% (77/86). Sex had no influence on the occurrence and severity of the disease. Of the 86 calves used in the study, 72.1% had good body condition scores, 20.9% were fair and 7.0% were poor. Of the 77 infected calves, 53.2% were mildly infected, 28.6% were moderately and 18.2% were severely infected. Body condition score was correlated to the severity of the infection (r = 0.72, p < 0.000, n = 86) at capture. Eradication of Sarcoptes mites from the entire herd using ivermetcin was dependant on the severity of the infection. The overall ability of ivermectin to clear the infection after the first treatment was estimated at 81.8% (n = 77). It increased to 94.8% and 100% after the second and third treatments respectively.This is the first report on the epidemiology and treatment of Sarcoptes mange in African buffaloes in Zambia. This study improves our understanding about Sarcoptes scabiei epidemiology and treatment which will have further applications for the safe animal translocation.Sarcoptic mange is a highly contagious disease affecting humans [1,2], domestic animals [3] and wildlife [4]. The disease is caused by Sarcoptes scabiei mites that burrow in the epidermis of the skin where they form tunnels and deposit their eggs and digestive secretions causing intense skin irritations. The mites complete their lifecycle within a few weeks giving rise to high densities reaching up to 5000 mites/cm2 in some species [5]. This leads to alopecia and hyperkeratosis of the skin [6]. The disease has been associated with high morbidity and mortality leading to population reductions in some species [7-10]. The efficacy of ivermectin in the treatment of Sarcoptes mange in different wildlife species has been carried out with variable responses [11-14]. Although t