The mite is small and elongated. It is only about ½ the size of the mange mite. It penetrates the hair follicles or oil glands and causes small, hard nodules or pimples. The nodules may reach an inch in diameter and may rupture. The mites require about 3 weeks to complete the larval stages to the adult stage. The initial infestation begins around the nose and eyelids, and then moves to the abdomen and inner thigh areas. Infestations of the hog follicle mite are not common, and no itching is evident. The nodules may become infected and develop abscesses.
There
is no information available on animal response and economic losses.
The same animal health and nutrition management practices recommended for lice and mange mites are true for the follicle mite.
The same insecticides recommended for control of lice and mange mites will control the follicle mite, and these are found at the end of the chapter.
Categories: Livestock insects, Swine, Hog follicle mite
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