Investigation of the Effects of Sheep Scabies on Wool Quantity and Quality in Maidan Wardak Province

Abdul Jamil Ghanizada; Abdul Khaliq Sahes; Abdul Ghafoor Muradi; Abdul Salim Jamili

doi:10.62810/jnsr.v4i3.418

Authors

Abdul Jamil Ghanizada Kabul University, Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Kabul, Afghanistan
Abdul Khaliq Sahes Kabul University, Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Kabul, Afghanistan
Abdul Ghafoor Muradi Kabul University, Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Kabul, Afghanistan
Abdul Salim Jamili Kabul University, Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, Kabul, Afghanistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.62810/jnsr.v4i3.418

Keywords:

Maidan Wardak, Scabies, Wool Quality, Wool quantity

Abstract

Psoriatic mange (sheep scab) is an important ectoparasitic disease of sheep causing considerable economic losses through reductions in wool production, milk yield, body weight, and skin quality. This cross-sectional study used field observations, structured questionnaires, and interviews with 100 participants, including 80 sheep farmers and 20 veterinary health officials, to assess the prevalence of psoroptic mange, farmers' awareness, management practices, and economic impacts. Among the farmers, 90% were male and 10% female; most were aged 36–50 years, and the majority were illiterate. In terms of management, 90% raised sheep under traditional systems, while 10% used semi-intensive systems. Results showed that 84% of farmers reported psoroptic mange in their flocks, with outbreaks mainly in winter (95%). The mean flock size was 97 sheep (range: 8–186). Average wool production was 1.75 kg per sheep, with a mean fiber length of 13.5 cm. The average wool price was 50 AFN/kg, and mean annual income from wool production was 8,335 AFN per household. According to farmers' and veterinarians' reports, psoroptic mange caused up to 50% body weight loss, a 40–50% reduction in milk yield, and up to 50% decrease in market value. In conclusion, psoroptic mange is highly prevalent in the study area. It poses a serious threat to sheep production, highlighting the need for improved farmer awareness, better management, and enhanced access to veterinary services to reduce its economic impact.

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