The adults can live for weeks off of the host and as such, direct contact is not necessary for spread. Lesions usually start around hooves and spread upward. The involved areas usually become crusty. Members of this genus can be identified by the presence of sarcoptiform pretarsi with a short caruncle. Males have posterior turret-like eminences.
All species appear to be host specific.
This mite is spread from one individual to another by direct contact. Scab type lesions resulting from inflammation and accumulation of coagulated serum occurs on all parts of the body covered by wool or hair. The wool or hair then becomes loose and falls out or is pulled out by the animal's biting or scratching. The constant irritation often leads to progressive emaciation and finally death. Latent cases are difficult to diagnose.