Mange Research Articles

Camera traps reveal a high prevalence of sarcoptic mange in red foxes from northern Spain

The mite Sarcoptes scabiei affects numerous mammal species causing the sarcoptic mange, a widespread disease with relevance for wildlife conservation, welfare, and management. The red fox (Vulpes vulpes) could become infested by direct and indirect routes leading to external skin lesions potentially recognizable by devices such as camera traps (CTs). In the present study, 86 randomly placed CTs were used to investigate the apparent prevalence and severity of S. scabiei in a red fox population from northern Spain. Their potential environmental and population-related drivers were also assessed. A total of 341 independent encounters were examined to visually identify mange-compatible lesions. The apparent prevalence was 19.16% (confidence interval (CI) 95%: 15.08–23.80) of which 82.81% (CI95%: 71.33–91.10) were severe. Our results revealed that habitat attributes such as lower altitudes, higher coverage of water-linked habitats and woodland predominance, were significant predictors of the apparent risk of mange. The models also suggested that the apparent prevalence of mange was associated with poor body condition and elevated frequencies of spatial coincidence among fox encounters, which facilitates indirect transmission. Interestingly, we did not observe mange-compatible lesions in other sympatric wild species (>15,000 encounters examined). This could be explained by the mite's host specificity and the low probability that these other potential hosts use sites where transmission among foxes usually occurs, such as dens. This study illustrates how camera trapping can be used as an interesting tool for the surveillance of wildlife diseases, thus overcoming the logistic constraints derived from direct sampling and allowing the early detection and better management of pathogens in the riskiest areas.

Malicious Mites-Sarcoptes scabiei in Raccoon Dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides) in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany.

Sarcoptic mange was detected in five free-ranging raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides) in the federal state of Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, during a health assessment study of invasive species, including raccoon dogs, carried out between 2021 and 2022. Four raccoon dogs showed severe lesions, including extensive alopecia with thickening and hyperpigmentation of the skin (lichenification). The fifth animal was less affected, showing only thinning of the hair coat in multiple body locations. Skin scrapings were performed and confirmed the presence of Sarcoptes scabiei. Histopathology of the skin revealed diffuse epidermal hyperplasia and hyperkeratosis, mild eosinophilic dermatitis, and varying amounts of intralesional mites. Staphylococcus pseudintermedius and Corynebacterium auriscanis were detected in the skin samples of the affected animals, indicating a secondary bacterial infection. The source of sarcoptic mange remains unclear; interspecies transmission via direct or indirect contact seems likely. Raccoon dogs are therefore a potential vector for sarcoptic mange, and their behaviour could contribute to disease spread and persistence.

An Outbreak of Sarcoptic Mange in Free-Ranging Arabian Oryx (Oryx leucoryx) in the United Arab Emirates, and Treatment with Ivermectin-Medicated Pelleted Feed.

At a visit to an unfenced desert conservation reserve in Dubai, United Arab Emirates in February 2022, severe skin disease was noted among resident Arabian oryx (Oryx leucoryx), manifesting as dark grayish to black bark-like thickened skin. Between and 45% and 60% of the oryx showed unrest and pruritus. Sarcoptes scabiei was detected at necropsy of six adult animals. Treatment with ivermectin-medicated pellets at 0.3 mg/kg estimated body weight over two periods of 7 d with a 14-d interval between treatments resulted in improved body and skin condition and hair regrowth. Although severe hyperkeratosis was still present shortly after treatment, no live Sarcoptes mites were found in parasitological examination of skin scrapings of two necropsied animals. By 4 mo post treatment the oryx had returned to normal body condition and coat condition.

Spatial and temporal patterns of sarcoptic mange in wombats using the citizen science tool, WomSAT.

There is currently limited information regarding the levels of infection and distribution of sarcoptic mange in the wombat population throughout Australia. We analyzed cases of sarcoptic mange in bare-nosed wombats reported into WomSAT, a website and mobile phone application where citizen scientists can upload sightings of wombats, burrows, and sarcoptic mange status. We used Maxent software to predict locations and the environmental factors associated with sarcoptic mange occurrence in bare-nosed wombats. A total of 1379 sarcoptic mange-infected and 3043 non-sarcoptic mange-infected wombats were reported by 674 and 841 citizen scientists, respectively. Of all the wombats reported to WomSAT from 2015 to 2019, 31.2% were infected with sarcoptic mange. Sarcoptic mange in bare-nosed wombats was reported in 502 suburbs across four states. New South Wales had the highest number of sarcoptic mange cases reported to WomSAT. There was no statistically significant seasonal variation of sarcoptic mange levels in bare-nosed wombats. The model showed that Euclidean distance to urban areas was the highest contributing factor for sarcoptic mange occurrence. As distance to urban areas decreased, the suitability for sarcoptic mange increased. Annual precipitation was the next contributing factor in the model, with higher rainfall of 400-700 mm correlating to an increase in sarcoptic mange occurrence. As the data collected to date have provided the largest-scale contemporary distribution of sarcoptic mange in wombats, data should continue to be collected by citizen scientists as it is an easy and low-cost method of collecting data over large areas. We suggest targeting the identified hotspot areas and more site-specific studies for studying and mitigating sarcoptic mange in bare-nosed wombats.

Syntopy between Endangered San Joaquin Kit Foxes and Potential Competitors in an Urban Environment.

The endangered San Joaquin kit fox (Vulpes macrotis mutica; SJKF) occurs in the city of Bakersfield, CA, where several putative competitors also occur, including domestic cats (Felis catus), striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis), raccoons (Procyon lotor), and opossums (Didephis virginiana). We used data from a multi-year (2015-2022) city-wide camera station survey to assess whether the other species were simply sympatric with SJKF or coexisting syntopically (i.e., occurring in the same habitats without apparent competition). Annual detection rates for the other species were not correlated with SJKF rates either within SJKF habitat suitability categories (low, medium, and high) or for all categories combined. Also, detection rates for the other species did not increase in response to a significant decline in SJKF abundance caused by sarcoptic mange. The use of all SJKF habitat suitability categories by the other species and co-detections with SJKF at camera stations indicate high spatial overlap. Interference and exploitative competition between the species are apparently negligible, likely due to similar body sizes and high resource abundance. Thus, SJKF and the other species appear to be coexisting syntopically in the urban environment, resulting in a significant additional SJKF population that facilitates range-wide conservation and recovery of this endangered species.

The most effective systemic treatment in dogs with sarcoptic mange: a critically appraised topic

BackgroundSarcoptic mange is a common, pruritic parasitic skin disease of dogs. Due to its highly contagious character, it represents a potential veterinary and public health risk. Because of clinical similarity with other diseases, cross-antigenicity, and low sensitivity of available diagnostic methods, therapeutical trial is frequently used to confirm the disease. Considering the variety of available acaricidal molecules as well as the need to use the most effective treatment, the present paper reviews evidence comparing different types of systemic treatment of canine scabies.ResultsAnalysis of the results showed that afoxolaner, fluralaner and sarolaner as well as several macrocyclic lactones such as selamectin, moxidectin and milbemycin oxime can lead to parasitological and clinical cure.ConclusionThe similarity in the clinical and parasitological efficacy of these substances enhances the need for comparative studies, which could allow the identification of the most efficacious product.

Sarcoptic Mange (Scabies) And Its Successful Therapeutic Management In Rabbits

Ten rabbits were presented with clinical signs of alopecia, intense itching, erythema and dry crusty lesions on eyes, ears, nose, legs, genital areas and dorsal region of the body. Skin scrapings revealed Sarcoptes scabiei mites. Treatment was initiated with subcutaneous injections of ivermectin @ 400µg/kg body weight every 7th day on 3 occasions and multivitamins as supportive therapy at 10 drops once a day was given for early recovery. After 3 weeks of treatments, clinical examination revealed marked improvement of lesions, and skin scrapings were negative for mites. No relapse of infestation was observed in any of the rabbits under treatment during the 6 month observation period following the treatment.

The effect of honey propolis mixture against sarcoptic mange in rabbits

The effect of honey propolis mixture against sarcoptic mange in rabbits

Dynamics of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus in two wild ungulate hosts during a disease-induced population collapse

Identifying the role that host species play in pathogen transmission and maintenance is crucial for disease control, but it is a difficult task, in particular for vector-borne and multi-host pathogens, and especially when wildlife species are involved. This is the case for a Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) hotspot in north-eastern Spain, where Iberian ibex (Capra pyrenaica) and wild boar (Sus scrofa) are involved, but their roles in disease transmission are unclear. In this context, we studied the dynamics of CCHFV transmission in these two species during the collapse of an Iberian ibex population due to a sarcoptic mange outbreak. We carried out a repeated cross-sectional study measuring the trends of CCHFV seroprevalence in Iberian ibex and wild boar and their abundances. In addition, we identified the tick species present in this area on the vegetation and on wild boars, and evaluated relevant meteorological factors. Results show that while the trends in CCHFV seroprevalence in Iberian Ibex and density of wild boars remained constant (p = 1.0 and p = 0.8, respectively), both the trends in Iberian ibex census and CCHFV seroprevalence in wild boars decreased significantly (p = 0.003 and p = 0.0001, respectively), and were correlated (Spearman's rank, 0.02 < p-adjusted<0.05). The correlation between the patterns of reduction of Iberian ibex abundance and the decrease of seroprevalence in wild boars suggests some sort of shared transmission cycle between the two species. Data from tick species in the area suggest a possible role of Rhipicephalus bursa in CCHFV transmission. The dynamics of CCHFV were unlikely caused by changes in meteorological variables such as temperature or water vapor pressure deficit. Further studies will be needed to confirm these hypotheses.

Quercetin supports acaricidal activity of ivermectin against naturally acquired sarcoptic mange in pigs

Sarcoptic mange triggers continuous oxidative onslaughts, resulting in severe oxidative stress in pigs and, to date, no antioxidant has been evaluated for the treatment of naturally infested pigs. This randomized clinical trial aimed to assess the ameliorative potential of the antioxidant quercetin (QR) when integrated with ivermectin (IVM) in the treatment of sarcoptic mange in pigs. The control group (T0 , n=10) consisted of healthy subjects. The first treatment group (T1 , n=10) consisted of infested pigs receiving the standard treatment (subcutaneous IVM only) while the second treatment group (T2 , n=10) consisted of infested pigs receiving integrated treatment (subcutaneous IVM plus oral QR). On day 0, the circulating malondialdehyde (MDA) was significantly higher and superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and antioxidative minerals (zinc, copper, iron) were lower in all infested pigs compared to the healthy subjects. On day 14 post-treatment, maximum recovery was observed in the MDA, SOD, GSH, CAT, TAC, zinc, copper and iron in group T2 and the results returned to normal earlier in group T2 than in T1 . Likewise, more significant improvements in parasitological cure rate, scratching index and skin score were recorded after treatment in group T2 than group T1 . These results suggest the greater effectiveness of IVM plus QR than IVM alone against sarcoptic mange, and quercetin may be recommended as an ancillary therapy with IVM to negate severe oxidative stress, improve post-therapy convalescence and produce a speedy recovery in pigs.

Sarcoptic mange in Rabbits and its Medical Managemen

Sarcoptic mange in Rabbits and its Medical Managemen

Density independent decline from an environmentally transmitted parasite.

Invasive environmentally transmitted parasites have the potential to cause declines in host populations independent of host density, but this is rarely characterized in naturally occurring populations. We investigated (1) epidemiological features of a declining bare-nosed wombat (Vombatus ursinus) population in central Tasmania owing to a sarcoptic mange (agent Sarcoptes scabiei) outbreak, and (2) reviewed all longitudinal wombat-mange studies to improve our understanding of when host population declines may occur. Over a 7-year period, the wombat population declined 80% (95% CI 77-86%) and experienced a 55% range contraction. The average apparent prevalence of mange was high 27% (95% CI 21-34), increased slightly over our study period, and the population decline continued unabated, independent of declining host abundance. Combined with other longitudinal studies, our research indicated wombat populations may be at risk of decline when apparent prevalence exceeds 25%. This empirical study supports the capacity of environmentally transmitted parasites to cause density independent host population declines and suggests prevalence limits may be an indicator of impending decline-causing epizootics in bare-nosed wombats. This research is the first to test effects of density in mange epizootics where transmission is environmental and may provide a guide for when apparent prevalence indicates a local conservation threat.

The synzootic potential of common epidemics in chamois populations

Southern chamois (Rupicapra pyrenaica) is a medium-sized and gregarious mountain ungulate with populations affected by periodic outbreaks of border disease virus (BD), infectious keratoconjunctivitis (IKC), and sarcoptic mange (SM). Even though the impact of each disease on chamois populations has been described in detail, there is a lack of information about the potential impact of concomitant epidemics and the synzootic potential (co-occurring enzootic or epizootic processes producing worse health outcomes in wildlife) on chamois populations. Furthermore, whether a specific order of apparition of epidemics is more or less harmful for the host population is practically unknown not only for chamois but also for most mammal populations. Using a population viability analysis (PVA), we studied the consequences of multiple disease outbreaks with synzootic potential on growth rates and probabilities of extinction of virtual populations exposed to hard winters, density dependence, and co-occurring BD, IKC, and SM outbreaks. Such infections are not under cross-immunity nor density-dependent processes and thus are supposed to affect population demography independently. Heavy snowfalls are also likely to occur in our simulated populations. Our simulations showed that a second outbreak, even caused by a low virulent pathogen, causes an increase in the probability of extinction of the host population with regard to the first outbreak. IKC-BD- and SM-BD-affected populations had a higher risk of becoming extinct in 50 years confirming the extra risk of multiple outbreaks on the viability of the affected populations.

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 Sarcoptic Mange in Maned Wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus): Mapping an Emerging Disease in the Largest South American Canid.

The maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus) is the largest South American canid. In Brazil, as in other countries, it is considered an endangered species. Habitat loss, landscape changes, hunting, and roadkill are the main threats to this species. In addition, invasive diseases of domestic animals are considered to be an emerging threat to the maned wolf, where parasitic diseases are relevant. Sarcoptic mange is a skin disease caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei. This disease is currently almost globally distributed, with a remarkable host diversity. In Brazil, reports of sarcoptic mange in wildlife include several species, both wild and captive. However, the impact of this disease on wildlife is unknown. At the time of writing, there is only one published report of sarcoptic mange in maned wolves. This study sheds light on the occurrence of sarcoptic mange in free-ranging maned wolves in their natural range. A total of 52 cases (suspected and confirmed) of sarcoptic mange were identified through social media review, camera trapping, chemical immobilization and sample collection. These cases were distributed in southeastern Brazil, in the states of São Paulo (n = 34), Minas Gerais (n = 17), and Rio de Janeiro (n = 1), demonstrating a rapid and widespread spread of this disease, although it still only occurs in part of the species' range. We expect that these results will help to subsidize future actions relevant to the control of this emerging disease.

The local skin cellular immune response determines the clinical outcome of sarcoptic mange in Iberian ibex (Capra pyrenaica).

Sarcoptic mange, caused by Sarcoptes scabiei, is a disease with implications for wildlife conservation and management. Its severity depends on the host's local skin immune response, which is largely unknown in Iberian ibex (Capra pyrenaica), a mountain ungulate dramatically affected by mange. In this species, the clinical outcome of sarcoptic mange varies among individuals, and the local immune response could be key to controlling the infestation. This study aims to characterize the local cellular immune response and its relationship with the clinical outcome. Fourteen Iberian ibexes were experimentally infested with S. scabiei and six more served as controls. Clinical signs were monitored, and skin biopsies were collected from the withers at 26, 46, and 103 days post-infection (dpi). The presence and distribution of macrophages (including M1 and M2 phenotypes), T lymphocytes, B lymphocytes, plasma cells, and interleukine 10 were quantitatively evaluated using immunohistochemical techniques. An inflammatory infiltrate that decreased significantly from 26 to 103 dpi was observed in all the infested ibexes. The predominant inflammatory cell population in the skin of the mangy ibexes was formed by macrophages (mainly the M2 phenotype) followed by T lymphocytes, with lower numbers of B lymphocytes and plasma cells. Three clinical courses were identified: total recovery, partial recovery, and terminal stage. The inflammatory infiltrates were less pronounced in the fully recovered ibexes than in those that progressed to the terminal stage throughout the study. The results suggest an exacerbated but effective Th1-type cellular immune response controlling mange in Iberian ibex. Furthermore, the local immune response appears to determine the variability of the clinical responses to S. scabiei infestation in this species. This first report on the progression of local skin immune cells is relevant not only for individuals but also for population management and conservation.

MOVEMENTS BY SAN JOAQUIN KIT FOXES (VULPES MACROTIS MUTICA) BETWEEN URBAN AND NONURBAN HABITATS: IMPLICATIONS FOR INTERPOPULATION DISEASE TRANSFER.

Sarcoptic mange epidemics erupted in two of the remaining populations of endangered San Joaquin kit foxes (Vulpes macrotis mutica). Both populations are in urban habitats in the cities of Bakersfield and Taft, California, USA. The risk of disease spread from the two urban populations to nearby nonurban populations, and then throughout the species range, is of considerable conservation concern. To date, mange has not been detected in any nonurban populations despite considerable surveillance effort. The reasons for the lack of detections of mange among nonurban foxes are unknown. We monitored urban kit fox movements using geographic positioning system (GPS) collars to test the hypothesis that urban foxes were not venturing into nonurban habitats. Of 24 foxes monitored December 2018 to November 2019, 19 (79%) made excursions from urban into nonurban habitats from 1-124 times. The mean number of excursions per 30 d was 5.5 (range 0.1-13.9 d). The mean proportion of locations in nonurban habitats was 29.0% (range 0.6-99.7%). The mean maximum distance that foxes traveled into nonurban areas from the urban-nonurban interface was 1.1 km (range 0.1-2.9 km). Mean number of excursions, proportion of nonurban locations, and maximum distance into nonurban habitats were similar between Bakersfield and Taft, females and males, and adults and juveniles. At least eight foxes apparently used dens in nonurban habitats; shared use of dens may be an important mode of mange mite transmission between conspecifics. Two of the collared foxes died of mange during the study and two others had mange when captured at the end of the study. Three of these four foxes had made excursions into nonurban habitats. These results confirm a significant potential for mange to spread from urban to nonurban kit fox populations. We recommend continued surveillance in nonurban populations and continued treatment efforts in the affected urban populations.

Assessing Variation in the Individual-Level Impacts of a Multihost Pathogen

Most pathogens infect more than one host species, and given infection, the individual-level impact they have varies among host species. Nevertheless, variation in individual-level impacts of infection remains poorly characterised. Using the impactful and host-generalist ectoparasitic mite Sarcoptes scabiei (causing sarcoptic mange), we assessed individual-level variation in pathogen impacts by (1) compiling all documented individual-level impacts of S. scabiei across free-living host species, (2) quantifying and ranking S. scabiei impacts among host species, and (3) evaluating factors associated with S. scabiei impacts. We compiled individual-level impacts of S. scabiei infection from 77 host species, spanning 31 different impacts, and totalling 683 individual-level impact descriptions. The most common impacts were those affecting the skin, alopecia (130 descriptions), and hyperkeratosis coverage (106). From these impacts, a standardised metric was generated for each species (average impact score (AIS) with a 0-1 range), as a proxy of pathogen virulence allowing quantitative comparison of S. scabiei impacts among host species while accounting for the variation in the number and types of impacts assessed. The Japanese raccoon dog (Nyctereutes viverrinus) was found to be the most impacted host (AIS 0.899). We applied species inclusion criteria for ranking and found more well-studied species tended to be those impacted more by S. scabiei (26/27 species AIS &lt; 0.5). AIS had relatively weak relationships with predictor variables (methodological, phylogenetic, and geographic). There was a tendency for Diprotodontia, Artiodactyla, and Carnivora to be the most impacted taxa and for research to be focussed in developed regions of the world. This study is the first quantitative assessment of individual-level pathogen impacts of a multihost parasite. The proposed methodology can be applied to other multihost pathogens of public health, animal welfare, and conservation concern and enables further research to address likely causes of variation in pathogen virulence among host species.

Sarcoptic Mange and Its Successful Therapeutic Management in Rabbits

Sarcoptic Mange and Its Successful Therapeutic Management in Rabbits

Host, environment, and anthropogenic factors drive landscape dynamics of an environmentally transmitted pathogen: Sarcoptic mange in the bare-nosed wombat.

Understanding the spatial dynamics and drivers of wildlife pathogens is constrained by sampling logistics, with implications for advancing the field of landscape epidemiology and targeted allocation of management resources. However, visually apparent wildlife diseases, when combined with remote-surveillance and distribution modelling technologies, present an opportunity to overcome this landscape-scale problem. Here, we investigated dynamics and drivers of landscape-scale wildlife disease, using clinical signs of sarcoptic mange (caused by Sarcoptes scabiei) in its bare-nosed wombat (BNW; Vombatus ursinus) host. We used 53,089 camera-trap observations from over 3261 locations across the 68,401 km2 area of Tasmania, Australia, combined with landscape data and ensemble species distribution modelling (SDM). We investigated: (1) landscape variables predicted to drive habitat suitability of the host; (2) host and landscape variables associated with clinical signs of disease in the host; and (3) predicted locations and environmental conditions at greatest risk of disease occurrence, including some Bass Strait islands where BNW translocations are proposed. We showed that the Tasmanian landscape, and ecosystems therein, are nearly ubiquitously suited to BNWs. Only high mean annual precipitation reduced habitat suitability for the host. In contrast, clinical signs of sarcoptic mange disease in BNWs were widespread, but heterogeneously distributed across the landscape. Mange (which is environmentally transmitted in BNWs) was most likely to be observed in areas of increased host habitat suitability, lower annual precipitation, near sources of freshwater and where topographic roughness was minimal (e.g. human modified landscapes, such as farmland and intensive land-use areas, shrub and grass lands). Thus, a confluence of host, environmental and anthropogenic variables appear to influence the risk of environmental transmission of S. scabiei. We identified that the Bass Strait Islands are highly suitable for BNWs and predicted a mix of high and low suitability for the pathogen. This study is the largest spatial assessment of sarcoptic mange in any host species, and advances understanding of the landscape epidemiology of environmentally transmitted S. scabiei. This research illustrates how host-pathogen co-suitability can be useful for allocating management resources in the landscape.