How do pigs get mites?

[ShawnaB]

I have read that a lot of your pigs have gotten mites.

Just a quick question. Pig newbie here!

How do pigs exactly GET mites? Do they spread it from one pig to another?
Is this something I need to watch out for as i only have the one?

How do you get rid of them?

Thanks

 

[weelynne83]

good question so thought i would bump it. I've never had a pig with mites but would be interesting to know x

 

[claremw92]

as far as I'm aware.... and I'm probably a million miles off...
buuuuuuut....
they can be passed between pigs... come from hay... but i've heard once they have mites... they will always have some live dormant under the skin... thats why when you stress a pig out... eg. move house etc... they can break out in mites... i dont know how stress and mites are connected thought...@)
but again not sure how true that is... thats just what i've been told...
x

 

[Wiebke]

Mites can come with the hay and are quickly passed on between guinea pigs living together or close by, but some piggies may even be born with them in their skin. Eggs can survive for quite long stretches in the skin and make an appearance whenever a piggy is stressed or its immune system lowered. Which is why shop piggies often have health problems like mites - stress and proximity are an ideal combination!

Like other parasites, mites cannot be passed on to other species. You always need to take an outbreak of mange mites seriously; if un- or mistreated, they can ultimately kill after much suffering. Any treatment needs to include ivermectin. If you are not sure whether your piggies have mites, please see the vet for a proper diagnosis and treatment. Don't try to fiddle yourself - you can do much nore harm than good! Sometimes, mites and fungal complaints can look very similar.

Here is more information: http://www.guinealynx.info/mites.html

 

[ShawnaB]

Thanks for the info Weike!

That pis looks awful! Poor piggie..