Summary Sarcoptes scabiei infestation was identified as the cause of pruritic dermatitis in a donkey in the UK. Treatment with i.m. doramectin and topical selenium sulphide was successful in eliminating clinical signs. Foxes were identified as the possible source of infestation. Sarcoptic mange should be considered as a potential differential diagnosis for pruritic dermatitis in equids in the UK.

No abstract

Cattle fertility problems and Histophilus somni Sir,-Further to the letter on cattle fertility and Histophilus somni from Guda van der Burgt and others (VR, April 28, 2007, vol 160, p 600), other practice laboratories may be interested in the method used for primary isolation. The four vaginal swabs were plated on to chocolate agar and incubated in a microaerophilic atmosphere for 48 hours. A profuse growth of Histophilus somniformerly known as Haemophilus somnus-was obtained from one of the swabs and a presumptive identification was made from the typical Gram stain plus positive oxidase and indole reactions. The use of guarded swabs considerably aided diagnosis since there was little contamination. Given the apparent sporadic shedding of this bacterium, we were also fortunate to receive a representative number of samples. Familiarisation with H somni and other farm animal bacteria can be gained by taking part in the Veterinary Laboratories Agency quality assurance scheme, which gives invaluable experience.