Africa-Press – Botswana. Knowledge and proper handling of small stock will result in managing the prevalence of the Mange small stock disease in the Otse extension area.
This was stated by Deputy Director in the Department of Veterinary services Dr Kobedi Segale during a consultative meeting with small stock farmers and other stakeholders in Otse recently.
Prior to the meeting government had informed members the public about the outbreak of Mange also known as lekgwaphe, lephalo or matswe in sheep and goats at Otse.
As a result of the outbreak government banned movement of small stock and their byproducts such as wool, hides and skin from areas surrounding where the outbreak was reported. Dr Segale said failure to identify and register cases of Mange could be attributed to farmers’ inadequate knowledge of the disease. He said farmers were unable to identify the disease in its infancy stages which could lead to high rates of infections and death.
He encouraged farmers in the area to report animals showing clinical signs of Mange such as intense itching, scratching and hair loss to veterinary officers. He said the outbreak was not a new phenomenon but if left untreated it could remain undetected and recur. Dr Segale said government would provide assistance in the form of educational campaign and encourage farmers to utilise medication which was easily accessible and affordable.
Acting Principal Veterinary Officer Dr Kingsley Siele said they were pleased by the level of cooperation from small stock farmers in the Ramotswa District since the outbreak was reported.
He said so far 1 600 goats were identified and only 47 were infected with about 10 fatal cases.
He said the winter season was likely to register high cases due to poor hygiene among other factors.
Mange is a severe dermatitis caused by mite or lice infestation.
Infected animals may scratch infected areas causing skin damage. It usually starts on the head and ears and spreads to the body. Infection is intensively itchy and often chronic. Symptoms may include hair loss, restlessness, excessive scratching and skin damage.
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