Cattle scab factfile

Cattle scab is a serious disease that effects cattle. Although more common in other countries, Scotland has not had any reports of the disease since the 1980s.

Here are some facts about the disease:

• Cattle scab, also known as psoroptic mange, is caused by mites that bite the skin of the animal to feed, which causes irritation

• It causes severe dermatitis and can have severe welfare implications if not identified and treated

• There is usually itching and secondary infections as a result of the scabs which leads to bleeding and crusting

• Infected animals lose weight and death can occur in extreme cases

• Cattle may not immediately show signs of infection, which allows it to spread

• Labatory diagnosis is the only way to identify the scab mite from other parasites that infect cattle

• If found in a herd, all cattle must be treated