Treatment of mange in conventional cattle herds has been achieved efficiently with organophosphorus compounds, avermectins and synthetic pyrethroids. Only moxidectin, of the avermectin group, and synthetic pyrethorids are acceptable under organic standards.
Pour-on application of moxidectin can be used in non-dairy animals, and has been found effective against psoroptic mange (Losson and Lonneux, 1996). Similarly, systemic application of moxidectin was found efficacious against psoroptic mange but less so against chorioptic mange (Losson and Lonneux, 1993). The following precautions should be taken into consideration when using moxidectin preparations:
- an avermectin, but less environmentally damaging than others of the same group
- not suitable for use in calves under 8 weeks of age or dairy cows
- withdrawal periods for meat under organic standards 28 days for topical and 90 days for injectable preparation
- effective against developmental stages of lice.
Deltamethrine, a sythetic pyrethroid, has been found effective against sarcoptic mange in cattle and psosroptic mange in sheep (Puccini, 1988). The following precautions should be taken into consideration when using deltamethrine preparations.
- a synthetic pyrethroid: precautions necessary when handling the product or recently treated animals
- does not kill the eggs: reapplication required
- withdrawal period for meat 6 days (UKROFS), 14 days (Soil Association), for milk 14 days.
A herbal compound, Charmil (containing deodar and karanga oils, marketed in India by Dabur Ayurvet Ltd.), has been found to be efficient against sarcoptic mange in cattle and buffalo. It is, however, not licensed for use in the UK (Singh and Gill, 1993).
| For most recent information on different sector body requirements on withdrawal periods for livestock products following medicinal use please see Withdrawal of Products following medication. |