Notoedric Mange Research Articles

Notoedres Cati Infestation in a Cat and its Management: A Case Report

Notoedric mange is a highly contagious and pruritic skin disease caused by burrowing mites Notoedres cati of family Sarcoptidae. Notoedric cati primarily affects cats, although it can also affect humans and other species. Present paper deals with clinical signs, diagnosis, and treatment of Notoedric mange in a kitten, aged about three and half months. In this case report, 1 kg male Persian kitten was presented to the Referral Veterinary Polyclinic of ICAR- Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI), Izatnagar with a complaint of itching and alopecia for past 15 days. On physical examination skin thickening, dry crusty and scaly lesions on the face, neck and limbs could be noticed. The appetite and defecation was normal and all the clinical parameters (rectal temperature, pulse rate, heart rate etc.) were within the normal range. On laboratory examination, skin scraping was positive for Notoedres cati. Based on the history, clinical manifestations and skin scraping examination, the case was diagnosed as Notoedres cati infestation. Therapeutic management was done with Inj. ivermectin @ 200 μg/kg, b. wt, subcutaneously once in a week for four weeks along with supportive therapy by oral administration of antihistamine hydroxyzine hydrochloride @ 2.2 mg/kg b. wt thrice in a day and supplementation of multivitamin, minerals, omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids. Owner was advised to give bath with benzyl peroxide shampoo twice in a week. Kitten showed some improvement following the second dose of ivermectin, and complete remission of clinical signs was noticed following the fourth treatment.

Causes of morbidity and mortality in wild cottontail rabbits in the eastern United States, 2013-2022.

Interest in causes of mortality of free-ranging, native North American lagomorphs has grown with the emergence of rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus 2 (RHDV2). Over the years 2013-2022, the Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study received 119 Sylvilagus spp. case submissions from the central and eastern United States, comprising 147 rabbits. Most (86%) of these submissions occurred after detecting RHDV2 in the United States in 2020. Laboratory data from these rabbits were retrospectively evaluated for major causes, contributors to mortality, and pathogen detections. Gross and histologic examination was performed for 112 rabbits. Common primary causes of death included trauma (n = 49), bacterial disease (n = 31), emaciation (n = 6), and parasitism (n = 6). Among the 32 rabbits with bacterial disease, 12 were diagnosed with tularemia and 7 with pasteurellosis. Rabbits with pasteurellosis had disseminated abscessation, septicemia, and/or polyserositis. Less commonly, cutaneous fibroma (n = 2), notoedric mange (n = 2), encephalitozoonosis (n = 2), neoplasia (round-cell sarcoma; n = 1), and congenital abnormalities (n = 1) were diagnosed. RHDV2 was not detected in 123 rabbits tested. Although RHDV2 has not been detected in wild lagomorphs in the eastern United States, detections in domestic rabbits from the region emphasize the need for continued surveillance. Furthermore, continued surveillance for Francisella tularensis informs public health risk. Overall, increased knowledge of Sylvilagus spp. health furthers our understanding of diseases affecting these important prey and game species.

The use of Flumethrin-, Moxidectin- and Pyriproxyfen-based drug in spray formulation against Ixodid and Acariform ticks in dogs and cats

The purpose of the research is to study the efficacy of Flumethrin-, Moxidectin- and Pyriproxyfen-based spray against Ixodid and Acariform ticks in dogs and cats.Materials and methods. The therapeutic efficacy of a multicomponent spray against Ixodid and Acariform ticks was evaluated in dogs and cats in the Podolsk Experimental Production Base of the VNIIP – FSC VIEV on 140 animals naturally infected with Ixodid and Acariform ticks. The animals were divided into an experimental group and a control group of 10 animals each. The experimental dogs and cats were given the study drug while the control animals were not given the drug. Clinical examinations at ixodidosis in dogs and cats were performed at 24 and 48 hours, and at 3 and 5 days after the start of the experiment. In Acariformes parasitism, a control examination and microscopy of deep skin scrapings taken at the healthy and affected skin interface were made using a scalpel at 7, 14, 21, 28 and 35 days after the start of the experiment, in treatment of sarcoptic mange, notoedric mange and demodicosis as well as scrapings from the auricle (distal part of the acoustic canal) in otodectic mange.Results and discussion. It was found that Flumethrin-, Moxidectin- and Pyriproxyfen-based spray had high therapeutic efficacy when used once, externally, against ixodid tick, and in the auricle twice with a 7-day interval against otodectic mange and externally 2–4 times with a 7-day interval against notoedric mange, sarcoptic mange and demodicosis in various disease forms in dogs and cats.

Clinical experience with the use and efficacy evaluation of new Insacar Total C Plus for dogs and Insacar Total K Plus for cats

The purpose of the researchis to study the efficacy of new multicomponent drugs for dogs and cats against arachnoentomosis and helminthosis.Materials and methods. The efficacy of new four-component Insacar Total C Plus Drops for Dogs and Insacar Total K Plus Drops for Cats was studied on target animal species. The experiment included 90 dogs and 82 cats including 38 dogs and 37 cats with monoinfection by ticks (Sarcoptes canis,Demodex canis,Notoedres cati,Otodectes cynotis, family Ixodidae), 39 dogs and 31 cats with monoinfection by insects (Ctenocephalidessp.,Linognathus setosus, Trichodectes canis), 13 dogs and 14 cats with infection by helminths (Toxocara canis, T. cati, Toxascaris leonina, Taeniasp.), and 13 dogs and 10 cats with mixed infections. The drug was applied to the skin of the animals in dosages as specified in the instructions for use. The therapy effectiveness was monitored on days 14 and 28, and in case ofNotoedres catiandSarcoptes canis, on day 40.Results and discussion.The efficacy of multicomponent drugs against monoinfections with insects, ixodid ticks, ticks of the genus Demodex and helminths, as well as mixed infections of the dogs and cats was 100% in clinical studies. The efficacy in the cats with notoedric mange was 80%, and 83.4% in the dogs with sarcoptic mange. The advantage of four-component Insacar Total C Plus Drops for Dogs and Insacar Total K Plus Drops for Cats is the presence of several components, namely, imidacloprid, praziquantel, pyriproxyfen, and moxidectin. The unique combination of active ingredients ensures the efficacy of drugs against external and internal parasites including ixodid ticks, and preventive efficacy against entomosis and ixodid ticks for 30 days. The drops for dogs and cats are advisable against mixed infections.

The Use of Selamectin in Treating Notoedric Mange in Cats: A Case Report

Notoedric mange in cats is less commonly diagnosed compared to sarcoptic mange. In the present study, a 9-month-old tomcat with severe itching, alopecia, crusts, and ulcerative necrotic areas on the head and neck underwent a clinical examination. The laboratory tests (superficial scrapes of the skin) confirmed the presence of Notoedres mites. The topical administration of 2 doses of 45 mg selamectin, 14 days apart, resulted in the complete healing of the animal.

Notoedric mange (Notoedres centrifera) in two species of free-ranging rabbits from Florida, USA.

Mange is a contagious skin disease caused by different mite species affecting numerous domestic and wild animals, worldwide. This report details notoedric mange in an eastern cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus) and in a marsh rabbit (Sylvilagus palustris) from Florida, USA. Clinical examination revealed similar gross lesions including poor nutritional condition, multifocal alopecia and hyperkeratosis. Skin scrapings from both rabbits revealed numerous subcutaneous mites identified as Notoedres centrifera, a species previously only associated with rodents, primarily squirrels. Mites from both rabbits were identified based on morphology and confirmed by sequencing the internal transcribed spacer-2 (ITS-2) region. These cases emphasize the need for continued surveillance and accurate diagnostic evaluation to determine the cause and characterization of the skin disease, while distinguishing it from other potential pathogens that may manifest similarly in rabbits, such as Notoedres cati, Sarcoptes scabiei or Psoroptes cuniculi.

STUDY OF THE EFFICACY OF COMBINED IMIDACLOPRID-, PYRIPROXYFEN- AND MOXIDECTIN-BASED DRUGS AGAINST ECTOPARASITOSIS IN DOGS AND CATS

We studied therapeutic and prophylactic efficacy of new drugs against ectoparasitosis in dogs and cats. New veterinary drugs for dogs and cats were developed with the combined active substances (Imidacloprid, Pyriproxyfen and Moxidectin) in the form of a spot-on solution for external application at the premises of the VNIIP – FSC VIEV. The difference between the drugs is the different content of Moxidectin – the Moxidectin content is 2.5 times higher in the drug for dogs than the drug for cats. The studies were performed on dogs and cats of different sex, age, body weight and breed spontaneously infected with pathogens of acariasis and entomosis in the settings of the Podolsk Experimental Production Base of the VNIIP – FSC VIEV and in a Moscow veterinary clinic in 2021. Experimental and control groups were formed according to the principle of analogues. The diagnosis and drug efficacy were confirmed holistically based on the anamnestic and epizootological data, clinical picture and laboratory research methods (microscopy of scraps taken from the affected areas of the skin, and examination of the coat for fleas, lice, chewing lice and ixodid ticks). Babesiosis (piroplasmosis) was excluded in the dogs. The drugs were used in the experimental group of animals in the dose range of 0.1–0.4 mL per kg of the body weight of the animal according to the Draft Instructions for Use. It was found that the drugs showed high therapeutic and prophylactic efficacy against sarcoptic mange of dogs, notoedric mange of cats, otodectic mange and entomosis of dogs and cats, as well as ixodid ticks attacking animals.

Arachnoentomoses of domestic carnivores and effectiveness of insacar total in dogs otodectosis

The research analyzes the epizootological features of arachnomyioses of domestic carnivores of different species on the territory of cities in the Middle Volga region. With varying degrees of extensive invasion, this group of diseases consisted of sarcoptic mange of dogs, ear mange of dogs and cats, demodecosis of dogs, notoedric mange of cats and aphanipterosis of animals. The authors studied the seasonal, age and breed dynamics of sarcoptic mange of dogs, notoedric mange of cats, demodectic mange of dogs and aphanipterosis of cats. The authors established the peaks of invasion in arachnomyioses of various species of domestic carnivores, identified the most vulnerable age groups of animals to diseases. The analysis of the breed predisposition of animals to this group of diseases and the distribution of sick animals by sex was carried out. It is established that arachnomyioses are characterized by regional epizootological features. A new drug Insakar Total C, developed by the staff of FGBNU FNC VIEV RAS (Moscow) for ear mange of dogs, was tested. The research was carried out on dogs of the shelter for homeless animals "Paw of Help" at the Ulyanovsk SAU. During the test, it was found that Insakar Total C shows 100% therapeutic effectiveness in ear mange of dogs of moderate severity. The use of the drug, according to the instructions and instructions, completely frees sick animals from ticks- ear mange. The research was carried out with the grant support of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Russian Federation.

Notoedric Mange in a Domestic Cat: Application of Ivermectin and Supportive Therapy

Feline scabies is a disease that is caused by Notoedres cati, a sarcoptic mite that injures the skin tissue. The present clinical case relates a notoedric scabies in a domestic cat, clinical observations, diagnostic test, and treatment. A 4-year-old male neutered domestic short haired cat was brought at a veterinary clinic. Alopecia, erythema, scales, crusts and hyperkeratosis were observed on the head, and pinnae and malodorous from lesions were observed in dermatological examination. Deep skin scrapings were collected. Microscopic examination revealed adult live mites presence. Based on the morphology, the mites isolated were identified as Notoedres cati. Ivermectin oral capsules (300µg/kg), repeat dose at 14 days. Bath with chlorhexidine and Benzoyl peroxide every 5 days for two months were applied. Moreover, multivitamin complexes were supplied daily, orally. An immunostimulant 1mL/10kg. IM, again applied two days. A clinical improvement in the cat was observed after administered this treatment. The present study reports notoedric mange in a domestic short haired cat in Colombia. The application of ivermectin with supportive therapy was useful in the treatment of notoedric scabies in this cat. The application of products other than ivermectin showed positive clinical observations in the recovery of this patient with feline scabies.

Efficacy of a novel topical combination of esafoxolaner, eprinomectin and praziquantel against Notoedres cati mange in cats.

The therapeutic efficacy against notoedric mange of a topical combination of esafoxolaner, eprinomectin and praziquantel (Nexgard® Combo, Boehringer Ingelheim) was evaluated in a masked, controlled clinical study including 14 cats with natural or induced Notoedres cati infestation. Cats were allocated randomly to two groups of seven cats each, to be administered either mineral oil (placebo control) or NexGard® Combo. Each treatment was administered once as spot-on at 0.12 mL per kg body weight (representing the minimum label dosage of NexGard® Combo, i.e. 1.44 mg esafoxolaner, 0.48 mg eprinomectin, and 10.0 mg praziquantel per kg body weight). Live mites were counted in skin scrapings collected within seven days prior to and 14, 27/28, 42 and 56 days after treatment to calculate the percentage efficacy of NexGard® Combo based on the comparison of mean live mite counts of the two groups. Concurrently, mange lesions and clinical signs were scored to establish a clinical success valuation. No live mites were recovered from any NexGard® Combo-treated cats post-treatment, indicating 100% therapeutic efficacy following a single spot-on administration of the novel antiparasitic combination. The clinical success valuations in the NexGard® Combo-treated cats were 14.3%, 42.8%, 100% and 100% at 14, 27/28, 42 and 56 days after treatment, respectively. No health problems were observed throughout the study.

Notoedric mange successfully treated with ivermectin in rabbits

Notoedric mange, caused by sarcoptiform Notoedres mites, an obligately parasite, causes potentially fatal dermatitis along with secondary systemic infections in small mammals, felids as well as humans. In the present case study, we describe clinical diagnosis and therapeutic management of notoedric mange with ivermectin in rabbits. Two New Zealand White rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) naturally infested with notoedric mange reported with history of varied clinical signs like anorexia, patchy alopecia, intense pruritus, erythema and dry scabs. Several whitish crust-like lesions were observed on ears, nose, face, forelimbs and hindlimbs. Confirmatory diagnosis of Notoedres cati var cuniculi was done by skin scraping from supported by clinical signs and hematological alterations. Both the animals were successfully treated with Ivermectin, a broad spectrum anti-parasitic agent. Both rabbits showed recovery by the end of third week of treatment and it was subsequently confirmed by absence of mites in two consecutive skin scrapings examination at weekly interval. The mite, Notoedres cati is considered as a serious pest of rabbits with ivermectin as still effective drug in treating the clinical cases. Stringent diagnostic strategies need to be prepared for regular screening and control of notoedric infestations in laboratory and pet rabbits.

Application of Clear up Strips for Notoedric Mange Diagnosis in a Cat

Bu vaka sunumunda bir kedide notoedrik uyuz kesin tanısında burun temizleme bandının kullanımı tanımlandı. Bir buçuk yaşlı kedi baş sallama, kaşıntı ve kulak kanalında kirli akıntı şikayetleri ile kliniğimize getirildi. Kulak kanalından koton svap uygulaması ile örnek alındıktan sonra karşılaştırma amacıyla burun temizleme bandı kulak kanalı iki parmak arasında sıkıştırılarak yapıştırıldı. Her iki tanı tekniğinde de koton svap ile 6 burun bant ile 9 yetişkin akar tespit edilerek notoedrik uyuz tanısı konuldu. Haftada bir kez olmak üzere toplamda 4 kez intraaurikular eprinomektin uygulaması reçete edildi ve 1. hafta eprinomektin uygulamasıyla beraber gerçekleştirilen parazitolojik muayenede canlı akar görülmemesi ve klinik iyileşme başladığı görüldü.

NOTOEDROSIS IN A HOUSEHOLD CAT - CASE REPORT

Th is paper describes a rare case of severe notoedrosis (notoedric mange) in a household cat from the suburban region of Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina. According to history, the male cat was in direct contact with stray kitten which had dermatological disorder. Th e examination of the skin revealed an intensely pruritic and hyperkeratotic dermatitis with typical scabby appearance. Deep scarifi cation samples were collected from the altered skin area and macerated in 10% KOH. Th e microscopic examination revealed mites from genus Notoedres, later identifi ed as Notoedres cati according to the morphological shape and size. Th e aff ected cat was treated with ivermectin 0.4 mg/kg, subcutaneously, two times with 7 day intervals. The first follow-up physical examination was done aft er seven days. Th is control showed that pruritic changes began to disappear. This case report confi rms the presence of Notoedres cati in the cat population in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Therapeutic management of mange infestation in cat (Felis catus): a case report

Two female cats (8 months old) were presented to Polyclinic, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Bareilly, UP with the history of exhibited crust formation, hyperkeratosis, alopecia and intense pruritis. On clinical examination white indurated dry crust like lesions were observed at the ear margins, face, and legs. On skin scrapping, both samples were found positive for mite infestation. Morphological observations viz., a round body, short legs and a dorsal anus revealed the presence of Notoedres spp. infestation. The infected cats were treated with weekly twice oral administration of ivermectin at 200 μg/kg body weight, oral administration of 2 ml of multi-vitamin and mineral syrup daily, which successfully cured notoedric mange infestation in cats.

Urbanization and anticoagulant poisons promote immune dysfunction in bobcats.

Understanding how human activities influence immune response to environmental stressors can support biodiversity conservation across increasingly urbanizing landscapes. We studied a bobcat (Lynx rufus) population in urban southern California that experienced a rapid population decline from 2002-2005 due to notoedric mange. Because anticoagulant rodenticide (AR) exposure was an underlying complication in mange deaths, we aimed to understand sublethal contributions of urbanization and ARs on 65 biochemical markers of immune and organ function. Variance in immunological variables was primarily associated with AR exposure and secondarily with urbanization. Use of urban habitat and AR exposure has pervasive, complex and predictable effects on biochemical markers of immune and organ function in free-ranging bobcats that include impacts on neutrophil, lymphocyte and cytokine populations, total bilirubin and phosphorus. We find evidence of both inflammatory response and immune suppression associated with urban land use and rat poison exposure that could influence susceptibility to opportunistic infections. Consequently, AR exposure may influence mortality and has population-level effects, as previous work in the focal population has revealed substantial mortality caused by mange infection. The secondary effects of anticoagulant exposure may be a worldwide, largely unrecognized problem affecting a variety of vertebrate species in human-dominated environments.

Widespread Anticoagulant Poison Exposure is Linked with Immune Dysregulation and Severe Notoedric Mange in Urban Bobcats

Human activities threaten wildlife with a variety of novel stressors such as exposure to toxicants. Anticoagulant rodenticides (ARs) are toxicants applied worldwide and through bioaccumulation, threaten species that prey on poisoned rodents or their predators. We studied a population of urban bobcats in southern California that declined rapidly from 2002-2005 due to notoedric mange. We first assessed prevalence of AR exposure using blood and liver samples across the population and found widespread exposure (>90%). Death associated with mange was strongly correlated with cumulative first- and second-generation AR exposure. These findings suggested that exposure to both first- and second-generation ARs were an underlying cause of the disease. We next aimed to understand the sublethal immunological and physiological effects of AR exposure in this natural population. We used two approaches: 1) we used a comprehensive suite of health assays (complete blood counts, blood chemistry assessment, and immunological profiling), and 2) we quantified AR-induced differential gene expression in blood for a subset of individuals. We found that sublethal AR exposure, primarily measured as exposure to diphacinone, is associated with hallmark indicators of generalized systemic inflammation that in persistence could promote immune dysfunction. Further, differential gene expression findings supported the results of immunological profiling. Further, a decrease in the expression of genes associated with epithelial maintenance simultaneous to a decrease in gene expression linked with ectoparasitic immune response may explain the link between AR exposure and mange vulnerability. Such indirect effects of sublethal exposure exemplify the challenge of protecting wild populations from common toxicants in human-dominated environments.

Endemic diseases affect population dynamics of tree squirrels in contrasting landscapes

ABSTRACTHabitat loss and fragmentation can have detrimental effects on wildlife populations and where pervasive can create population isolates that may experience reduced genetic diversity and lower persistence. Diseases that cause epizootics also can reduce wildlife populations and may have disproportionate effects on small populations. We studied survival of radio‐marked western gray squirrels (Sciurus griseus) using known‐fate models in Program MARK and we quantified annual reproductive success by following females through the breeding season and counting young at natal nests. We used data on survival and productivity to model population growth rate and associated parameters using deterministic and stochastic approaches. Populations of western gray squirrels that we studied in an extensive, forested landscape and in a highly fragmented, urbanizing landscape in Washington, USA differed in their modeled growth rate. Adult survival was similar between populations although both were strongly affected by different endemic diseases with high epizootic potential. The demographic parameters that differed most between these 2 populations were related to productivity; litter size was marginally smaller and reproductive success was significantly lower in the urbanizing Puget Trough compared to rural Klickitat County. Results of our demographic modeling suggest that the larger Klickitat population is robust to immediate threats, whereas the smaller Puget Trough population is at risk because of its small size and low fecundity. Periodic outbreaks of notoedric mange in the Klickitat population reduce adult survival, although our models suggest that these epizootics would need to occur more frequently than observed to be of significant risk to the population. Continued degradation and fragmentation of western gray squirrel habitat in the Klickitat region along with mild winters resulting from climate change could increase the frequency and severity of mange epizootics and further threaten this population. Actions to retain and improve habitat resources may help ameliorate the effects of future mange epizootics and maintaining quality habitat should be a management priority in this region. The insular Puget Trough population experienced mortality due to tularemia each year of our study with infection rates ≥14%. Lack of characteristic histological indications in some affected squirrels may lead to underreporting of tularemia in animals submitted for routine necropsy and could complicate assessment of mortality risks in wildlife population studies. Given its small size and isolation, the Puget Trough population should be monitored closely for indications of decline in number or occupancy; this small population may need periodic augmentation to maintain genetic diversity. Increasing suitable habitat and maintaining connectivity between currently occupied range and potential habitat in the surrounding landscape will be crucial to the long‐term viability of this population but will be challenging in the urbanizing landscape of the Puget Trough. © 2017 The Wildlife Society.

A synthetic review of notoedres species mites and mange

Notoedric mange, caused by obligately parasitic sarcoptiform Notoedres mites, is associated with potentially fatal dermatitis with secondary systemic disease in small mammals, felids and procyonids among others, as well as an occasional zoonosis. We describe clinical spectra in non-chiropteran hosts, review risk factors and summarize ecological and epidemiological studies. The genus is disproportionately represented on rodents. Disease in felids and procyonids ranges from very mild to death. Knowledge of the geographical distribution of the mites is highly inadequate, with focal hot spots known for Notoedres cati in domestic cats and bobcats. Predisposing genetic and immunological factors are not known, except that co-infection with other parasites and anticoagulant rodenticide toxicoses may contribute to severe disease. Treatment of individual animals is typically successful with macrocytic lactones such as selamectin, but herd or wildlife population treatment has not been undertaken. Transmission requires close contact and typically is within a host species. Notoedric mange can kill half all individuals in a population and regulate host population below non-diseased density for decades, consistent with frequency-dependent transmission or spillover from other hosts. Epidemics are increasingly identified in various hosts, suggesting global change in suitable environmental conditions or increased reporting bias.

Utilizing citizen science to document a mange epidemic in western gray squirrels in California

ABSTRACTCitizen science allows for economical collection of data across large geographic areas. However the degree of expertise required, inter‐observer consistency, and strategies for compiling and disseminating results may affect the quality of the project data. We used citizen science to recreate spatio‐temporal characteristics of an outbreak of notoedric mange (Notoedres centrifera) in western gray squirrels (Sciurus griseus anthonyi) in the San Bernardino Mountains of California, USA, and evaluated strengths and limitations of citizen science to collect these data. In June 2012, we deployed an online survey asking local residents to record location, date, and details of past squirrel sightings (prior to the epidemic), and recent sightings of sick and healthy squirrels. Respondents provided 160 historical observations, 83.8% of which had sufficient information for inclusion. Although there was an eventual decay in reporting, these data allowed us to detect spatial clusters of mange, a west to east spread, and the presence of some unaffected squirrels after the epidemic. Respondents reported mange cases earlier than rehabilitators and at least a year ahead of a noticeable decline, while 76.3% observed the decline after 2010. Residents who lived in the study area for more than half the year were 2.3 times more likely to observe a gray squirrel with mange. After the start of the survey, there were 6 reports of gray squirrels with signs suggestive of mange but 188 reports of healthy gray squirrels, indicating the peak of infection in this mange epidemic was over by 2012. © 2016 The Wildlife Society.

The taxonomy, life cycle and pathology of Sarcoptes scabiei and Notoedres cati (Acarina, Sarcoptidae): A review in a Fennoscandian wildlife perspective

Mites constitute an old cosmopolitan group, abundant in various terrestrial and aquatic habitats of considerable environmental variations. The majority of mites are free-living, whereas some have evolved parasitic relationships with a variety of animals either as endo- or ectoparasites. The ectoparasitic and skin burrowing Sarcoptes scabiei and Notoedres cati, cause sarcoptic and notoedric mange among a variety of mammalian species, including humans. In a non-adequate host these mites lead to pseudo-scabies which is often self-curable. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of recent knowledge on the taxonomy, life cycles and pathology of these two mites, which are of relevance to Fennoscandian wildlife, by considering knowledge on transmission vectors, host immunology, and some documented outbreaks. These mites affect the health and survival of mammals in four ways; 1) skin tissue damages, 2) loss of body fluids, 3) allergic reactions and 4) secondary bacterial infections. A short-term effect of outbreaks is usually high mortality, and long-term effects vary from extinction to biased population structure to no effect at all. Red foxes are generalist predators that are important end-hosts for mites that develop disease depending on their immunity status, and transmit mites to other hosts. Outbreaks of mange may possibly have ecological consequences on a wider scale. In an endangered species, like the arctic fox or Eurasian lynx, loss of only a few individuals can be critical. It might be wise for management authorities to develop emergency plans to minimize consequences of outbreaks of sarcoptic or notoedric mange in threatened species such as the arctic fox and the lynx.