Prevalence of Sarcoptic Mange in Goats in Zamfara State, North West Nigeria and Associated Risk Factors

Sarcoptic mange caused by Sarcoptes scabiei is a highly contagious ectoparasitic disease of goats that leads to intense pruritus, skin lesions, weight loss, and reduced hide quality, with significant economic implications for smallholder livestock producers. This study assesses the prevalence of sarcoptic mange in goats and identifies associated risk factors in Zamfara State, North West Nigeria. A cross-sectional study was conducted in three local government areas namely Gusau, Anka, and Kaura Namoda, with 250 goats from 80 smallholder farms examined physically for characteristic mange lesions. Skin scraping samples from suspected cases were examined microscopically using potassium hydroxide preparation to confirm S. scabiei infestation. Farmer interviews captured data on herd size, stocking density, animal movement, treatment history, and market purchase practices. Evidence from 2021 to 2024 in Nigeria's northwest identifies high stocking density and shared grazing land as primary risk factors for mange spread, compounded by limited access to veterinary acaricidal treatment. This study will generate prevalence estimates stratified by age, sex, and management system, and identify husbandry factors associated with elevated infection risk. Findings will be submitted to the Zamfara State Ministry of Animal Health and Fisheries for integration into animal disease surveillance reports. Keywords: sarcoptic mange, goats, Zamfara State, Sarcoptes scabiei, ectoparasite.