Mange

Cutaneous acariasis

Nature

Mange is a parasitic disease caused by mites which live in or under the skin and affect all kinds of animals and man, causing scabby eczema and depilation. Emaciation may occur in chronic cases and under cold conditions or with poor nutrition; heavily infested cattle may die from psoroptic mange. Sarcoptic mange may cause mastitis in milking cows.

Incidence

Mange is a world-wide problem, and there are three kinds of mange mites: psoroptic, chorioptic and sarcoptic which attack a variety of animals. Cattle are also affected by demodectic mange mites. Within these groupings there are many different species. Transmission is generally from one animal to another and for this reason among domestic animals there is a far higher incidence during the winter when they are confined in close quarters. The mites eggs may remain on barn walls, fence posts, cattle trucks or any other equipment which comes into contact with diseased animals and they may be transmitted in this way.

Claim

Mange is a critical issue that demands urgent attention. This parasitic skin disease not only causes immense suffering in animals, leading to severe discomfort and even death, but it also poses significant public health risks. The spread of mange can affect wildlife, domestic pets, and even humans in some cases. Ignoring this problem jeopardizes animal welfare and ecosystem balance. We must prioritize education, prevention, and treatment to combat this pervasive and distressing condition.

Counter-claim

Mange, while uncomfortable for affected animals, is not a pressing issue compared to the myriad of critical problems facing our world today. With global crises like climate change, poverty, and disease, focusing on mange distracts from urgent humanitarian and environmental challenges. Resources and attention should be directed towards issues that impact human lives and ecosystems on a larger scale. In the grand scheme, mange is a minor concern that pales in comparison to the real crises we face.