Is this mange?

[Jack M]

I just killed a sow 30 mins ago and when I got to her I noticed these skin irritations. Thanks the the help. Also can I still butcher her up to consume or no?

 

[der Teufel]

I would say yes.
I don't know what has caused the hair loss you pictured, but my suspicion is that it probably only affects the skin and not the underlying muscle.

I will defer to anyone who has more experience or knowledge, but that's my 2¢ worth.

 

[Jack M]

I would say yes.
I don't know what has caused the hair loss you pictured, but my suspicion is that it probably only affects the skin and not the underlying muscle.

I will defer to anyone who has more experience or knowledge, but that's my 2¢ worth.

Thanks for your input. I decided last night not to butcher her up. She will be used for yote supper. But I would still like to know for any future harvests. Thank you

 

[der Teufel]

Hey, No problem at all, It's your hog and that makes it strictly your choice.
Coyotes and Buzzards gotta eat, too…
Now you just need to go out and get another one!

 

[Ratdog68]

Everything I've read concerning mange (mites) on hogs deals with treatment for short term infestation, and chronic lesions from long term infestation... and concerning the treatment of both. Nowhere have I read any warnings of destroying an affected animal... which would imply to me that having mange infest farm animals is simply a thing of irritation and chance of spreading of the condition. Therefore, I would take from that... that it's not a matter of needing to destroy a farm raised pig for slaughter, due to the danger of tainted meat... but, for general health of the animals and a reduced chance of it spreading.

I would probably be much more concerned with Brucellosis contamination during the handling/butchering of a pig.

One layer of protection for yourself could include spraying a hog down with hydrogen peroxide and keeping it moist for a while, prior to scrubbing and then gutting/butchering. But, then... this type of step could be affected by how long it is from kill to butcher... and outside temps, because getting the meat cooling is pretty important for having good table fare.

I'm hoping Dr. Brian will chime in here soon on the topic.

 

[Jack M]

Hey, No problem at all, It's your hog and that makes it strictly your choice.
Coyotes and Buzzards gotta eat, too…
Now you just need to go out and get another one!

Yes sir. Will do my best. Thanks again

 

[Jack M]

Everything I've read concerning mange (mites) on hogs deals with treatment for short term infestation, and chronic lesions from long term infestation... and concerning the treatment of both. Nowhere have I read any warnings of destroying an affected animal... which would imply to me that having mange infest farm animals is simply a thing of irritation and chance of spreading of the condition. Therefore, I would take from that... that it's not a matter of needing to destroy a farm raised pig for slaughter, due to the danger of tainted meat... but, for general health of the animals and a reduced chance of it spreading.

I would probably be much more concerned with } contamination during the handling/butchering of a pig.

One layer of protection for yourself could include spraying a hog down with hydrogen peroxide and keeping it moist for a while, prior to scrubbing and then gutting/butchering. But, then... this type of step could be affected by how long it is from kill to butcher... and outside temps, because getting the meat cooling is pretty important for having good table fare.

I'm hoping Dr. Brian will chime in here soon on the topic.

Thanks for the reply. That's an interesting thought on using hydrogen peroxide. Just don't think it's for me. I try to keep my killing cost as low as possible. How common is brucellosis in wild hogs? Should I always be wearing gloves when j handle and clean them? Currently I haven't worn any yet. Guess I need to go do some more research on that. I really appreciate you getting back to me with all this great info. Thanks

 

[Ratdog68]

Enter the topic(s) into Google and read from the links provided. It'll provoke thought.

 

[der Teufel]

According to an article I found in the Houston Chronicle dated 2009, roughly 10% of Texas hogs have brucellosis. Numbers in East Texas ran up to 25%.
Tompkins: Feral hogs pose rare but significant health risk - Houston Chronicle
I get nitrile gloves at Harbor Freight, although they're available a lot of places. I use 5 mil, some folks use 7 mil. I bought some 3 mil in error once and they worked okay, although I mostly used them at home when packaging the meat. Personally, yes I recommend gloves. I don't wear eye protection, which is also recommended, but I always wear gloves.

 

[Jack M]

According to an article I found in the Houston Chronicle dated 2009, roughly 10% of Texas hogs have brucellosis. Numbers in East Texas ran up to 25%.
Tompkins: Feral hogs pose rare but significant health risk - Houston Chronicle
I get nitrile gloves at Harbor Freight, although they're available a lot of places. I use 5 mil, some folks use 7 mil. I bought some 3 mil in error once and they worked okay, although I mostly used them at home when packaging the meat. Personally, yes I recommend gloves. I don't wear eye protection, which is also recommended, but I always wear gloves.

Wow. I didn't know how common it was. Will definitely be buying some nitrales. I really appreciate you helping me out. Thank you