Subclinical psoroptic otocariasis in Brazilian sheep with comments on a technique for mite collection.

Subclinical psoroptic otocariasis associated with Psoroptes cuniculi (Delafond) was diagnosed in four out of ten herds of sheep. Transmission of mites between sheep and goats and vice versa was detected in herds kept on the same pastures for over 2 years. Flushing the ear canals of sheep and goats with approximately 50 ml of water appeared to be more efficient than swabbing or otoscopic examination for diagnosis and/or mite collection.