Learn signs of mites and lice in Kunekune pigs, how infestations spread, and practical treatment and prevention steps.

Controlling Mites and Lice in Kunekune Pigs

(BF Farm Kunekune Pigs Practical Guide)

External parasites are one of those problems that can quietly build for weeks—and then suddenly you’re seeing nonstop scratching, rough coats, irritated skin, and pigs that just seem “off.” At BF Farm Kunekune Pigs, we treat mites and lice as a management issue, not a mystery: identify early, respond quickly, and tighten up the environment so they don’t come right back.

What you’re dealing with

Mites (often microscopic): Mites can cause intense irritation and, in some cases, mange. The signs can look like dry scurf, thickened skin, crusty patches (often around ears and neck), and persistent itching that doesn’t let up.

Lice (often visible): Lice are bigger than mites and sometimes can be seen near the skin line—especially along the neck, shoulders, and back. They cause itching, hair loss, and skin damage that can become infected if pigs rub and scratch constantly.

The signs we watch for at BF Farm Kunekune Pigs

When we’re doing routine checks, these are our early “tell me more” signals:

  • excessive scratching or rubbing on posts/fences

  • flaky skin, dandruff, or rough coat texture

  • hair thinning (especially behind ears, neck, and shoulders)

  • red irritated patches, scabs, or thickened skin

  • piglets acting restless or not settling normally

If you’re seeing multiple pigs doing it, assume it’s not “just dry skin” and start investigating.

Prevention

The best parasite control is boring: clean, dry, and consistent.

Keep housing dry and clean

Moist, dirty bedding and crowded sleeping areas are where parasite problems love to grow. We recommend:

  • replacing bedding regularly (don’t just “top it off” forever)

  • keeping sleeping areas dry

  • removing manure build-up frequently

  • improving airflow if stalls run humid

Quarantine new pigs

At BF Farm Kunekune Pigs we always recommend a quarantine period for new pigs before they join your herd. Two weeks is a common minimum, but many owners go longer if they’re unsure of the source. During quarantine:

  • handle and inspect the pig closely

  • watch for scratching and coat changes

  • treat if needed before mixing with your herd

Grooming and hands-on checks

Brushing does two things: it improves skin/coat health and helps you catch pests early. Pay attention behind ears, along the spine, and under the belly—those are common hangouts.

Treatment options

Important: Always follow the product label for pigs and consult your veterinarian for dosing and withdrawal guidance (especially if pigs may be used for meat in the future).

1) Topical sprays or powders

Many farms use livestock-approved topical insecticides (often pyrethrin/pyrethroid-based). These can help with lice and some mite issues depending on the product and label.

2) Dusting powders

Dusts can be useful in targeted areas (ears, belly, neck folds), but the key is complete coverage and repeat treatment per label. One treatment rarely solves it because eggs can survive the first round.

3) Systemic treatments (vet-guided)

For stubborn mite cases or herd-wide infestations, your veterinarian may recommend systemic treatments (injectable or oral options). This is often the cleanest way to treat a group—especially when topical coverage is hard to do evenly.

4) Baths / medicated shampoos (supportive)

Bathing can reduce irritation and improve comfort, but it’s usually supportive rather than a stand-alone fix—especially for mites.

Don’t forget the herd and the environment

If one pig has it, assume others were exposed. Effective treatment usually means:

  • treating all pigs that share space

  • cleaning bedding and sleeping areas at the same time

  • repeating treatment on schedule to break the life cycle

That’s how you prevent the “it went away… and came right back” pattern.

Monitoring and follow-up

After treatment, keep a simple checklist for 2–3 weeks:

  • Is scratching decreasing?

  • Is the coat smoothing out?

  • Are scabs healing?

  • Is appetite/weight normal?

If symptoms don’t improve after a full treatment cycle—or if skin looks thickened/crusty—get a veterinary diagnosis. Skin issues can overlap (fungus, bacterial infection, nutritional issues), and you don’t want to chase the wrong problem.

BF Farm Kunekune Pigs takeaway

Mites and lice are manageable when you handle them with a plan:

  1. identify early

  2. treat correctly (and repeat on schedule)

  3. clean the environment

  4. monitor until resolved

© 2025 BF Farm Kunekune Pigs

About the Author

The care information shared by BF Farm comes from daily experience managing Kunekune pigs through different ages, seasons, and stages of growth. We focus on practical feeding, body condition, pasture use, observation, and early problem-solving so owners can make steady, informed care decisions.