The present research project was designed to find out the prevalence, taxonomy and control of mange mites infestation in equines and to record the effects of mange on different blood parameters of the said animals.

For this purpose, a total of 200 equines suspected for mange mites infestation were examined during June August (1999). Out of these 200 suspected equines, 24 were found positive, indicating an overall prevalence of mange mites as 12%. Out of the positive animals, 20 naturally infested animals were selected for further investigation and divided into two Groups-A & B having 10 animals in each. Ten animals of Group-A were medicated with ivomac injection by (Rhone Poulenc) at a dose rate of 0.2 mg / kg body weight or (1 ml / 50 kg b.wt.) subcutaneously and the 10 infested animals of Group-B served as untreated controls. The efficacy of drug was assessed by examination of skin scrapping and the animals were re-examined at 7th, 14th and 28th day post treatment with ivomac injection. Taxonomy of the identified species was also carried out.

In addition, the effect of mange mite infestation on different blood parameters of equines was also recorded. Haematological parameter showed significant reduction in total erythrocyte count (TEC), haemoglobin (Hb) level and Packed Cell Volume (PCV) while Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) was increased in infected animals. Differential leukocyte count (DLC) showed reduction in the neutrophils and lymphocytes but eosinophils, basophils and monocytes were increased in number in mite infested horses.

From the results of the present study, it was concluded that the skin scrapings examination of the animals showing irritation and pruritis should be carried out on regular basis and those found positive should be given prompt acaricidal treatment. Ivomac injection @ 0.02 pg / kg body weight has proved the most beneficial as a single injection was found to be quite effective to cure the mange mites infestation in these animals. Hence, the farmers, Tonga pony owners and other equine lovers should use Ivomac Injection to treat and control the mange mites infestation in horses, mules and donkeys. This will not only result in the improvement of the health status of these animals but also increase income of the owners.