CloseStudy of the action of essential oils in CATTLE SCAB; an external parasitic ailment caused by the presence of acarid parasites
Cattle scab is a skin complaint produced by acarid parasites. It is characterised by specific lesions which often give rise to further scratch lesions which encourage superinfection (impetigo) and produce abrasion wounds. "Scab is an unpleasant disease that covers the skin with all sorts of lesions of a most unpleasant appearance" Bazin (dictionnaire Dechambre - 1880). Their unpleasantness is illustrated by the popular saying "être méchant comme une gale - literally "as unpleasant as the mange (scab)".
In Belgium, this parasitic disease represents a cost of around 25 million Euros per year in treatment and operational losses. Meat producing breeds are particularly susceptible to scab (above all the Belgian Blue). The constant high-level of itching caused by the acarid parasites affects the animals so much that they forget to feed and rapidly lose weight. In addition, the fact that they are continuously scratching may cause open lesions, which are sometimes serious and can be the source of multiple secondary infections.
Essential oils can advantageously combine this anti-parasitic effect with an anti-itching action, so that the irritation caused by the parasites is rapidly reduced.
An essential oil based product with external topical application offers the advantage of being a non-invasive, non-toxic, clean and residue-free treatment, properties which are very important in the agricultural world in general, and for organic production in particular.
The aim of the present research and development work is to perfect an innovative biotechnological and ecological solution in the field of anti-parasitic action in cattle, but also to extend the field of application of the product to other species (especially to horses affected by chorioptic (foot) mange). It involves seeking out healthy, natural, organic alternatives that are safer and cheaper than conventional chemical treatments.