The mite, Sarcoptes scabiei, is the agent that produces human scabies. The female mite is larger than the male and they burrow beneath the epidermis of man and animals and lay their eggs there. The development from larvae to adult mite takes about 10 - 14 days. The mite is found world - wide.The scabies mite is transmitted by close contact with animals and occasionally by contaminated objects. The mite can survive for several days away from its host on bedding, clothing, blankets, leather and wood, producing another source of infection. Individuals who have close contact with animals are at risk from this infection, those to include veterinarians, farmers and rural dwellers.
The mite can only be seen with the aid of a magnifying glass. The result of its burrowing beneath the skin is itching. They are usually found in areas like the back of the hand, elbows, abdomen, axilla and groin area.
Sarcoptic scabies can be found in the head, ears and neck of an animal. If it is not controlled it has the potential to cover a body with the resultant crusting of the skin and hair loss. It will cause severe irritation and cause an animal to scratch which results in damage and possible infected skin areas. In such a case the animal's health is compromised. Scabies requires veterinary intervention as quickly as possible as the mite can be very difficult to eradicate.