Prevalence of Sarcoptes scabiei var. suis in certified reproduction swine farms of Paraná State from 2002 to 2004

Abstract

In the present study we have established the prevalence of the causative acarus of Sarcoptic mange, Sarcoptes scabiei variety suis, in the 49 certified reproduction swine farms of Paraná State from 2002 to 2004. In the evaluated period the certified farm swine population was of 24,697 pigs, including 19.697 at reproduction and 5,000 at termination stage. The samples were quarterly obtained and sent for diagnosis and identification following Normative Instruction number 19, of January 15th 2002, from the Ministry of Agriculture -  MAPA, which determines quarterly sampling of five pigs in reproduction and five from termination stage, performing a total of 4,342 swine skin scrapping exams in the period. In 2002, Sarcoptes scabiei var. suis was diagnosed in one pig, with a prevalence of 0.12%; in 2003, it was diagnosed in two animals with a prevalence of 0.11%; and in 2004 it was diagnosed in one pig, with a prevalence of 0.06%. Among the 49 farms searched, presence of Sarcoptes was observed in four farms (8.16%) during the period.  The cities where the farms were located did not present any local tendency and included Castro, Guarapuava, Toledo, and Entre Rios do Oeste. In conclusion, although the found prevalence was very low, Sarcoptes scabiei var. suis can be detected even in high standard farms of Paraná State. Other more sensitive diagnostic techniques, such as ELISA and PCR, should be used in order to better detect Sarcoptes scabiei var. suis in certified reproduction swine farms.