105 University of Vermont Extension EL 105 Hog Mange by G.R. Nielsen, Former Extension Entomologist, Plant and Soil Science Department Mange in hogs is a scabies, or itch, caused by mites. Sarcoptic mites cause sarcoptic mange, which is the more common form. The demodectic mites cause demodectic, or follicular, mange.
Mange mites spend their entire lives on the host animal.
They cause wounds or lesions in the skin. Sarcoptic mites burrow into the skin. Each female makes a gallery in which she lays her eggs. The skin over and around the burrow or gallery becomes irritated and inflamed, with a small cone-shaped swelling. The demodectic mites are very small and carrot-shaped.