Observations on buffalo sarcoptic mange in Jammu, India.

Observations on sarcoptic mite infestation in 1440 buffaloes belonging to 72 unorganised dairy farms of Jammu revealed a 3.33% prevalence rate. Prevalence was signifi cantly (p≤0.05-0.01) higher during the winter (5.55%) as compared with the summer (2.91%) and the rainy (1.33%) seasons. The disease was recorded in 3.75% and 2.5% of buffaloes up to 1 year and above 1 year of age, respectively. Females showed a signifi cantly (p<0.05) higher prevalence rate (4.07%) than males (1.96%). A strong negative correlation (r=-0.725) was observed between the prevalence rate and temperature whereas relative humidity had little or no association (r=0.2). The initial lesions were observed on the face and the upper part of neck as papules and exudative crusts, amd then the infestation spread quickly causing generalized mange. In severe cases, animal had emaciated body with no sign of fat deposits and loss of normal skin colour and texture. Infested buffaloes showed a signifi cant (p<0.05) association with inappetance.