Sarcoptic mange vulnerability in carnivores of the Białowieża Primeval Forest, Poland: underlying determinant factors

Marta Kołodziej-Sobocińska,Andrzej Zalewski,Rafał Kowalczyk

doi:10.1007/s11284-013-1118-x

Marta Kołodziej-Sobocińska, Andrzej Zalewski + Show 1 more

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https://doi.org/10.1007/s11284-013-1118-x

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Abstract

AbstractSarcoptic mange caused by Sarcoptes scabiei, is a highly contagious worldwide mite infection responsible for epizootic skin disease in populations of wild and domestic mammals. It causes skin disorders that may lead to severe generalized skin disease (mange). We investigated the spread and dynamics of sarcoptic mange in one of the best preserved carnivore communities in the Białowieża Primeval Forest over the last 20 years. Sarcoptic mange was found in 6 of 10 investigated species. The highest percentage of infected individuals was recorded in red foxes (19 %), European badgers (9 %), grey wolves (7 %), raccoon dogs (6 %), and stone martens (5 %). Other species were not infected (least weasel, American mink, European polecat, pine marten) or infected sporadically (Eurasian lynx––1 case). Rate of infection was correlated with the sum of ecological and behavioral features, which may increase the spread of infection. Outbreaks of sarcoptic mange occurred simultaneously in several species of carnivores, which indicates the occurrence of between species transmission. We found that the source of investigated individuals (trapped, culled and found dead) may influence the results of the analysis. Our study shows that in carnivore communities such as in Białowieża Forest, numerous species may serve as a reservoir of the pathogen and favor its persistence in the environment. This study indicates that sociality and use of den sites are important factors affecting sarcoptic mange spread and prevalence in wild populations of carnivores.

Highlights

Skin lesions in wildlife can be caused by several parasitic arthropod species such as Sarcoptes sp., Notoedres sp., Chorioptes sp. and Psoroptes sp
We investigated the spread and dynamics of sarcoptic mange in one of the best preserved carnivore communities in the Białowiez_a Primeval Forest over the last 20 years
In Europe, S. scabiei infections have been detected in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes), arctic foxes (Alopex lagopus), grey wolves (Canis lupus), Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx), European badgers (Meles meles), raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides), pine martens (Martes martes), stone martens (Martes foina) (Holt and Berg 1990; Morner 1992; Gortazar et al 1998; Bornstein et al 2001; RyserDegiorgis et al 2002; Nowak et al 2008), as well as in domestic dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) and cats (Felix silvestris catus) (Lindquist and Cash 1973; Hawkins et al 1987; Bornstein et al 2004)

Summary

Introduction

Skin lesions in wildlife can be caused by several parasitic arthropod species such as Sarcoptes sp., Notoedres sp., Chorioptes sp. and Psoroptes sp. Sarcoptic mange caused by mites, Sarcoptes scabiei (L, 1758, Latrielle, 1802) (Acari: Astigmata, Sarcoptidae), is a highly contagious skin disease with a world-wide distribution and is observed most frequently in mammals. It has been found in 104 domestic and wild species in Europe, North America, Australia and Africa (Bornstein et al 2001). Indirect transfer of the pathogen, for example from common nests or burrows, is possible as mites are able to survive independently from a host and remain infectious for a new host individual (Arlian 1989); for example, S. scabiei transmission was observed amongst red foxes occupying the same den even if they did not use it simultaneously (Gerasimov 1958). Death may be caused by a wide variety of factors including starvation and hypothermia (Arlian et al 1990)

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