Camels and Camelids

CLINICAL MANAGEMENT OF SARCOPTIC MANGE IN DROMEDARY CAMELS REARED UNDER HIGH ALTITUDE COLD DESERT

Journal Edition: December 2021
Article DOI: 10.5958/2277-8934.2021.00051.5
Published On: 13-12-2021 21:17

Achin Arora1, Vijay K. Bharti1, Rakesh Ranjan2 and SS Balaje1
1DRDO-Defence Institute of High Altitude Research (DIHAR), Leh, Ladakh UT-194101, India
2ICAR-National Research Centre on Camel, Bikaner, Rajasthan- 334001, India

ABSTRACT

A total of four adult dromedary camels (2 male and 2 female) inducted at DRDO-Defence Institute of High Altitude Research (DIHAR), Leh were reported with anamnesis of reduced appetite, frequent itching and development of skin lesions. The animals were kept in open and stall fed under high altitude cold desert conditions. Physical examination revealed development of diffused skin lesions like alopecia, numerous small vesicles, erythema and abrasions. Though lesions were diffused, they were more prominent in certain areas like head, neck, inguinal region and brisket. Skin scraping examination revealed presence of Sarcoptes scabiei var. cameli mite in abundance. The affected animals cured successfully using ivermectin and multivitamin injections and topical application of seabuckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) pulp, Himax and melathion 0.2% in petroleum jelly base.
Key words: Camel, High-altitude, Sarcoptic-mange, Scabies