Cria Care
Chorioptic mange is one of the most common skin problems we see affecting camelids. It is caused by a microscopic mite which feeds on dead skin cells, causing irritation which can be itchy as well as crusty flakey skin. In severe or chronic cases, the skin can become thickened and there can be hair loss (alopecia).
Diagnosis
Initially the vet will take a skin scrape sample to identify the mite causing the problem, as there are several other mites that can also cause skin irritation which require different treatment. Skin scrapes are not always a very sensitive test so the vet may prescribe treatment regardless.
Treatment
Successful treatment is very time consuming and will require some effort – keep positive and you can succeed to improve your alpaca's quality of life!
For best results, carry out the treatments 2-3 times weekly, in 2-3 weeks you should see a significant improvement.
Click through the treatment steps
Step 1
Step 1
The drugs are not very effective if there is a crusty skin barrier preventing contact of the drug with the mites, bathing is soothing and will help remove the crusts making the treatment much more effective.
Bathe the affected alpaca using an animal shampoo, we suggest an anti-crust shampoo such as Sebomild or Sebolytic to help lift the crusts. Leave it to soak in for 20 minutes before massaging and rinsing thoroughly.
Having your alpaca on a halter and tied may make this easier than manually holding.
Step 2
Step 2
Once dry, apply a topical anti-mite spray to affected areas and rub it down to skin level. Please wear protective clothing and gloves to apply, as you do not want contact with your skin.
Be careful not to spray it into the eyes - if you need to treat around the eyes, first apply spray to a sponge and then use sponge to apply on the face.
Using anti-mite spray should also be done from toes to knees/hocks in animals from the same group, even if no clinical signs are seen.
Options for anti-mite treatment (none are licensed in alpacas OR food producing animals)
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Fipronil spray e.g. Frontline
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Cypermethrin e.g. Deosect for horses which can be diluted and used with a sponge or applied in a spray. It is also a fly repellent
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Lime sulphur which can be diluted into water or mixed into creams. Be aware this smells like rotten eggs and will stain light colours yellow! Good for use as a foot dip.
Step 3
Step 3
The mites can live in the environment off the animal for nearly 70 days. Hygiene in the stables and shelters can help reduce the chances of reinfection.
Completely mucking out their shelters, disinfecting the area, and leaving it to dry before putting fresh straw back down will reduce the level of mites present in the substrate and help with the alpaca’s recovery.
Some owners find that once the treatment is complete, the alpacas may continue to have areas of thickened skin. This skin can be soothed with barrier creams such as E45 or Vaseline.