Bovine skin diseases are critical for veterinary professionals to understand, and this comparison table outlines key differences among Dermatophytosis, Chorioptic Mange, Psoroptic Mange, and Sarcoptic Mange. Each disease is characterized by its causative agent, clinical signs, and diagnostic methods. The table highlights zoonotic potential, common sites of infection, and the severity of pruritus associated with each condition. This resource is essential for veterinarians and students studying bovine health and skin conditions.

Key Points

  • Compares four bovine skin diseases: Dermatophytosis, Chorioptic Mange, Psoroptic Mange, and Sarcoptic Mange.
  • Details the causative agents, including fungi and various mites, for each skin disease.
  • Highlights clinical signs such as pruritus, lesions, and common sites affected in bovine skin diseases.
  • Provides diagnostic methods including microscopy and skin scrapings for accurate identification.
Waleed Abdullah
2 pages
Pathology
Waleed Abdullah
2 pages
Pathology
306
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Comparison of Bovine Skin Diseases
This table summarizes the key differences between Dermatophytosis, Chorioptic Mange, Psoroptic Mange, and
Sarcoptic Mange for quick study and exam revision.
Feature Dermatophytosis
(Ringworm)
Chorioptic Mange Psoroptic Mange Sarcoptic Mange
Cause Fungi (mainly
Trichophyton
verrucosum; also
Microsporum spp.)
Mite: Chorioptes bovis Mite: Psoroptes ovis
(bovis)
Mite: Sarcoptes scabiei
var. bovis
Type Fungal infection Ectoparasitic mange Ectoparasitic mange Ectoparasitic mange
Zoonosis Yes (ringworm / kerion
in humans)
No No Yes (transient pruritic
lesions in humans)
Age/Breed/Se
x
Mostly young animals;
no breed/sex
predilection
No predilection No predilection No predilection
Season More common in fall &
winter
Worse in winter Worse in winter Often worse in cold
Transmission Direct & indirect contact Direct & indirect contact Direct & indirect contact Direct & indirect contact
Common
Sites
Face, head, pinnae,
neck, rump, tail,
perineum
Rump, tail, perineum,
caudal thigh, udder,
scrotum, distal hind legs
Starts on shoulders &
rump; may generalize
Face, pinnae, neck,
shoulders, rump
Primary
Lesions
Tufted papules → thick
gray/white crusts;
sometimes annular
alopecia
Erythema & papules →
scaling, oozing, crusts,
alopecia
Papules, pustules,
exudation, crusts,
alopecia, excoriations
Erythema & papules →
scaling, oozing, crusts,
alopecia
Pruritus Rare or mild Mild to intense Very intense Very intense
Chronic
Changes
Usually mild Crusting and alopecia Lichenification, skin
thickening, secondary
infection
Marked lichenification,
hyperkeratosis,
excoriations
Herd
Involvement
10–100% of herd may
be affected
Usually multiple animals Usually multiple
animals; often severe
Usually multiple animals
Systemic
Effects
Animals otherwise
healthy
Severe cases: weight
loss, ↓ milk/meat
↓ feed intake, weight
loss, ↓ milk, hide
damage, may die if
>40% body involved
↓ feed intake, weight
loss, ↓ milk,
lymphadenopathy,
secondary infections
Diagnosis
(Main)
Hair pluck microscopy +
culture
Skin scrapings in
mineral oil
Skin scrapings from
lesion margins
Deep skin scrapings
(mites hard to find)
Microscopy
Findings
Hyphae & arthroconidia
on/in hairs
Chorioptes mites
(0.3–0.5 mm)
Psoroptes mites
(0.4–0.8 mm)
Sarcoptes mites
(0.25–0.6 mm), eggs,
scybala
Histopatholog
y
Folliculitis & furunculosis
with fungi in hairs
Eosinophilic dermatitis,
parakeratotic
hyperkeratosis (mites
rare)
Eosinophilic dermatitis,
epidermal
microabscesses
Similar eosinophilic
dermatitis, mites rarely
seen
Feature Dermatophytosis
(Ringworm)
Chorioptic Mange Psoroptic Mange Sarcoptic Mange
Main
Differentials
Staph folliculitis,
dermatophilosis,
demodicosis, etc.
Sarcoptic, psoroptic
mange, lice
Sarcoptic, chorioptic
mange, lice
Psoroptic, chorioptic
mange, lice
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FAQs

What are the main causes of bovine skin diseases?
Bovine skin diseases can be caused by various agents, including fungi and ectoparasitic mites. Dermatophytosis, commonly known as ringworm, is primarily caused by fungi like Trichophyton verrucosum and Microsporum species. Chorioptic, Psoroptic, and Sarcoptic Mange are caused by different species of mites: Chorioptes bovis, Psoroptes ovis, and Sarcoptes scabiei var. bovis, respectively. Understanding these causative agents is crucial for effective treatment and prevention.
What are the common clinical signs of Dermatophytosis in cattle?
Dermatophytosis in cattle typically presents with tufted papules that can develop into thick gray or white crusts. In some cases, this fungal infection may lead to annular alopecia, where patches of hair loss occur in a circular pattern. The condition is more prevalent in young animals and often worsens during the fall and winter months. Diagnosis is usually confirmed through hair pluck microscopy and culture.
How does Sarcoptic Mange affect cattle?
Sarcoptic Mange, caused by Sarcoptes scabiei var. bovis, leads to intense pruritus, resulting in significant discomfort for the affected animals. Common lesions appear on the face, pinnae, neck, and shoulders, often leading to secondary infections due to excoriation. The disease can severely impact the health of cattle, causing weight loss, decreased milk production, and in severe cases, death if a large percentage of the body is involved. Diagnosis typically involves deep skin scrapings to identify the mites.
What is the zoonotic potential of bovine skin diseases?
Zoonotic potential varies among bovine skin diseases. Dermatophytosis is known to be zoonotic, potentially causing ringworm or kerion in humans. In contrast, Chorioptic Mange and Psoroptic Mange do not pose a risk to humans. However, Sarcoptic Mange can lead to transient pruritic lesions in humans, indicating that while not highly contagious, it can still affect people who come into close contact with infected cattle. Understanding these risks is important for farm workers and veterinarians.

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