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Background: Sarcoptic mange is rare in cats. The main symptoms reported in cases of feline sarcoptic mange include crusty lesions and pruritus, although these may vary in severity among individuals. Objectives: This report describes three cats infested with Sarcoptes scabiei, all presenting with pruritus and excoriation. Methods: The diagnosis was confirmed by microscopic observation of skin scrape samples. Results: All three cats were treated successfully using moxidectin and imidacloprid, selamectin and ivermectin, respectively. Conclusions: The clinical presentation of feline scabies appears to be more variable in cats than in dogs. Infestation with S. scabiei should be considered a differential diagnosis for cats presenting with pruritic inflammatory skin disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IntroductionVarious draft horse breeds, especially breeds with abundant feathering on the lower limbs, are known to be susceptible to chorioptic mange. Clinical signs of chorioptic mange encompass intense pruritus leading to self-mutilation and hair loss, thickening of the epidermis, and the formation of hyperkeratotic crusts and scabs. Despite the frequent occurrence and high impact of this condition, treatment options are limited, with a conspicuous absence of registered products formulated for equines, and especially foals. This limited availability of approved products highlights the necessity for alternative approaches to effectively address chorioptic mange in draft horse populations, given the severity of the clinical signs and their negative impact on the well-being of infested horses.MethodsTwo 9-months old Belgian draft horse foals with clinical signs of severe pruritus and skin scaling on the distal legs were included. Both horses tested positive for living mites by means of superficial skin scrapings. Topical treatment with ivermectin at a dose of 1 mg/kg body weight was applied twice with 1 week interval, directly onto the distal legs of the horses.ResultsIn both cases, the mites were morphologically identified as Chorioptes bovis. Negative scrapings were obtained 7 days after the second treatment. Pruritus resolved in both horses within 2 days after the first treatment. Clinical signs consisting of skin scaling and crusting in the pastern region had resolved as well at 1 week and 3 weeks after the second treatment, respectively.ConclusionThis case report presents the first successful treatment of two clinical cases of chorioptic mange in Belgian draft horse foals with 1 mg/kg topical ivermectin, applied directly onto the distal legs.

The parasitic mite Sarcoptes scabiei causes mange in nearly 150 species of mammals by burrowing under the skin, triggering hypersensitivity responses that can alter animals' behavior and result in extreme weight loss, secondary infections, and even death. Since the 1990s, sarcoptic mange has increased in incidence and geographic distribution in Pennsylvania black bear (Ursus americanus) populations, including expansion into other states. Recovery from mange in free-ranging wildlife has rarely been evaluated. Following the Pennsylvania Game Commission's standard operating procedures at the time of the study, treatment consisted of one subcutaneous injection of ivermectin. To evaluate black bear survival and recovery from mange, from 2018 to 2020 we fitted 61 bears, including 43 with mange, with GPS collars to track their movements and recovery. Bears were collared in triplicates according to sex and habitat, consisting of one bear without mange (healthy control), one scabietic bear treated with ivermectin when collared, and one untreated scabietic bear. Bears were reevaluated for signs of mange during annual den visits, if recaptured during the study period, and after mortality events. Disease status and recovery from mange was determined based on outward gross appearance and presence of S. scabiei mites from skin scrapes. Of the 36 scabietic bears with known recovery status, 81% fully recovered regardless of treatment, with 88% recovered with treatment and 74% recovered without treatment. All bears with no, low, or moderate mite burdens (<16 mites on skin scrapes) fully recovered from mange (n=20), and nearly half of bears with severe mite burden (≥16 mites) fully recovered (n=5, 42%). However, nonrecovered status did not indicate mortality, and mange-related mortality was infrequent. Most bears were able to recover from mange irrespective of treatment, potentially indicating a need for reevaluation of the mange wildlife management paradigm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mange is a skin disease caused by mites that parasitize an animal's skin, often yielding inflamed immune responses and hair loss. At a population level, mange may reduce survival and cause population declines. Many forms of mange can be treated quite effectively when an animal is in hand; however, this is not often feasible for many free-ranging wildlife populations. Some animals, particularly territorial carnivores, will rub or roll to scent mark and transmit information about their presence to other individuals. We posited that rub stations comprised, in part, of anthelmintic medication and foreign scents that induce rubbing could be used to remotely treat mange in the wild. We deployed 39 rub stations containing lure and dye in Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, Southern California, USA, October–November 2022. Carnivores rubbed or rolled at.97% of rub stations, with coyotes (Canis latrans), gray foxes (Urocyon cinereoargenteus), and bobcats (Lynx rufus) being the most abundant species. Time to first rub or roll was generally <1 wk. Several sympatric species (e.g., mule deer, Odocoileus hemionus) were detected at rub stations but did not rub. Our pilot test provides strong evidence that treating mange in wild carnivores may be possible using the remote medicinal rub stations we describe. Future efforts to add medicine to rub stations and monitor for a change in mange prevalence are a logical next step. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Sarcoptic mange is rare in cats. The main symptoms reported in cases of feline sarcoptic mange include crusty lesions and pruritus, although these may vary in severity among individuals. Objectives This report describes three cats infested with Sarcoptes scabiei, all presenting with pruritus and excoriation. Methods The diagnosis was confirmed by microscopic observation of skin scrape samples. Results All three cats were treated successfully using moxidectin and imidacloprid, selamectin and ivermectin, respectively. Conclusions The clinical presentation of feline scabies appears to be more variable in cats than in dogs. Infestation with S. scabiei should be considered a differential diagnosis for cats presenting with pruritic inflammatory skin disease.

Cases of sarcoptic mange in the wildlife population have been increasing around the world in recent years. In this study, we report the first case of severe sarcoptic mange in two Andean foxes (Lycalopex culpaeus) and molecularly analyze the collected mites. The National Forestry and Wildlife Service of Lima, Peru, found an adult male Andean fox in the province of Callao in August 2022. The veterinarians decided to euthanize the fox due to the severity of the mange. In August 2023, an adult male Andean fox was found dead in the province of Huaral by veterinarians. Both foxes were sent to the veterinary school in Lima for necropsy. Skin samples from different body zones were digested in buffer lysis, and mites were detected in the tissue samples. A morphological diagnosis identified the mites as Sarcoptes scabiei. The mites from both foxes had the same nuclear (ITS2) and mitochondrial (cox1) genetic marker sequences as the S. scabiei sequences from dogs, vicunas, Andean foxes, and water buffalos recorded in GenBank. Unlike ITS2, phylogenetic analysis of S. scabiei cox1 showed host-related nucleotide sequence polymorphisms. Future molecular studies of S. scabiei from different hosts and localities will be necessary to better understand the transmission of this disease in Andean foxes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Infestation with Sarcoptes scabiei in dogs is a debilitating disease if left untreated and is transmissible to humans. Two feld studies were conducted to confrm the efcacy of orally administered sarolaner in combination with moxidectin and pyrantel (Simparica Trio®) in the treatment of sarcoptic mange in dogs. Methods Client-owned dogs with S. scabiei infestation were enrolled and received 2 monthly treatments. In the frst, small-scale study, 12 dogs each were allocated randomly to treatment with either placebo or Simparica Trio®. Skin scrapings to detect live mites and assessment of clinical signs of sarcoptic mange were conducted on Days 0, 14, 30, 44, and 60. Efcacy was calculated based on the percent reduction in arithmetic mean live mite counts relative to placebo. In the second, large-scale study, 75 dogs were allocated randomly to treatment with Simparica Trio® and 37 to treatment with afoxolaner+milbemycin oxime (NexGard Spectra®). Skin scrapings to detect live mites and assessment of clinical signs of sarcoptic mange were conducted on Days 0, 14, 30, and 60. The parasitological cure rate (percentage of dogs without live mites) was determined and non-inferiority of Simparica Trio® to the control product was assessed. Results In the small-scale study, 2 monthly doses of Simparica Trio® resulted in a signifcant reduction (P≤0.0050) in live S. scabiei mite numbers and provided a 99.2% reduction relative to placebo by Day 60. Clinical signs of sarcoptic mange improved throughout the study in Simparica Trio®-treated dogs. In the large-scale study, the parasitological cure rate on Days 30 and 60 was 97.3% and 100% in the Simparica Trio® group and 91.9% and 100% in the afoxolaner+milbemycin oxime group, respectively. The parasitological cure rate for Simparica Trio® was non-inferior to afoxolaner+milbemycin oxime at both time points. Clinical signs of sarcoptic mange improved throughout the study in both groups. Conclusions Two-monthly doses of Simparica Trio® reduced S. scabiei mite counts by 99.2% relative to placebo in one study and eliminated S. scabiei mites in 100% of dogs in the second study, thus confrming that Simparica Trio® is highly efective in the treatment of sarcoptic mange in dogs caused by S. scabiei var. canis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the first ever photographic evidence of mangeinfested Golden Jackal Canis aureus from Panna Tiger Reserve, central India. The infected animals were photo-captured during the ongoing camera trap sampling in 2019 as a part of a long-term study on the ecology of reintroduced tigers and co-predators. This new record triggers wildlife health and monitoring issues and, subsequently, the importance of restricting the disease outbreak and treatment measures among other associated species within the protected area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A livestock farmer presented few goats to the Veterinary Clinical Complex, College of Veterinary Science, Garividi with history of alopecia, pruritis, crusts and scabs all over the body. Also reported 18 out of 20 goat kids are showing similar signs in the herd. Skin scrapings revealed mites, that are identified as Chorioptes spp. Mild anemia and hypoproteinemia were evident in the affected kids. Ivermectin and topical amitraz along with supportive therapy for five weeks were found to be effective. Regrowth of hair started after 32 days of treatment with good prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mange in sheep is still results in serious economic problems the most one is losses of hid and wool. This requires not only treatment of primary disease but also rapid repairing of skin and wool. The most effective trace element helps the regeneration of skin and wool is zinc. The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of nano−zinc supplementation in reducing the time required to recovery and complete skin repair and wool regrowth during treatment of Psoroptic mange in sheep. Forty male Rahmani sheep were divided into four groups each one contained ten sheep. The first group was clinically healthy (CH) and the other three groups were clinically suffered from mange and divided according to treatment into nano-zinc (NZ) group which received doramectin injection plus nano-zinc orally, mineral mixture (MM) group which received doramectin injection plus mineral mixture orally, and DM group which injected by doramectin only. All animals were subjected to keen clinical and confirmative examination and criteria of recovery were routinely assessed day after day. Assessment of skin and wool repair as well as the serum samples were collected for analyses before treatment; at 0 day then at 15th and 30th days after treatment. The clinical examination revealed gradual recovery of clinical signs, and 3 days after treatment the signs of pruritis decreased and disappeared after 1 week. The lesions reduced in size toward the center with regrowth of wool from repaired peripheries of lesions. The assessment of skin and wool repair and biochemical constituents revealed rapid repaired lesions at the 15th day of treatment in NZ group, while MM and DM groups started to be recovered at the 30th day of treatment. Serum biochemical analyses revealed significant decrease in serum zinc, hyperproteinemia, hypoalbuminemia, and hyperglobulinemia and significantly decreased of ALP, AST, γ-GT, and LDH activities with significantly increased serum creatinine in NZ, MM, and DM groups before treatment. Most of these serum changes showed non-significant changes at the 15th day of treatment in NZ group compared to CH group. However, MM group began to improve after 15th day of treatment and in some parameters extended to the 30th day of treatment, while DM group restored majority of estimated parameters at the 30th day of treatment when compared to CH group. In conclusion, nano-zinc supplementation during treatment of Psoroptic mange in sheep provides more effective and rapid regeneration and repair of skin tissues and wool rather than doramectin injection alone or with zinc oxide supplementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There was complaint about some pigs kept under intensive system of management that were restless and sometimes rolling on the floor of the pig pen at Osha, Umuahia Southern Nigeria. On visitation to the farm, clinical examinations showed signs of pruritis generally, with scales all over the body of the mature ones and the pigs generally looked dirty, having alopecia in some parts of the bodies. Mange were suspected. The temperatures were normal. The skin scrapings of the pigs were taken to the laboratory and examined under the microscope and mites were seen. The pigs (adults, neonates and growing pigs) were treated with ivermectin at 0.2mg/Kg. All the pigs and the wall of the building were washed with Amitraz® spray. Bedding materials were changed. The injection was repeated after 14 days to take care of eggs which would hatched within the period but would not be mature to lay their own eggs. The client was advised that before newly acquired pigs are moved into the pen, they should be quarantined and also that they should practice routine treatment for mites in the pigs. Boars should be treated every 3–6 months during breeding and sows should be treated before farrowing to prevent transmission of mites. If mange occurs among breeding or growing pigs, the whole herd should be treated and that the treated and treatment should be the repeated after 14 days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seba's short-tailed bats (Carollia perspicillata) are a frugivorous species native to Central and South America. Despite their importance as a reservoir for zoonotic pathogens and their popularity in zoological collection and as research models, there are relatively few reports on non-zoonotic diseases of bats. Mites of the genus Demodex are obligate commensals of the skin of a range of mammals, are highly host-specific and are not associated with clinical disease when present in low numbers. However, infestation with high numbers can result in severe or even fatal disease and substantially affect the well-being of the animals. The clinical, pathological and parasitological findings in 12 Seba's short-tailed bats with demodicosis from a colony kept at Munich Zoo Hellabrunn between 1992 and 2021 are described in this report. From 2002, skin lesions became apparent on the head, especially the periocular region, nose and ears, as well as the genital area of some animals. In advanced cases, skin changes were also present on the abdomen, back and extremities. Gross findings typically included alopecia and thickening of the skin, with the formation of papules, reflecting cystically dilated hair follicles containing myriads of demodecid mites. Histologically, lesions were characterized by a paucicellular lymphocytic dermatitis and folliculitis with perifollicular fibrosis, epidermal hyperplasia, orthokeratotic hyperkeratosis and disproportionately high numbers of intrafollicular arthropods. Demodex carolliae was identified morphologically by light, phase-contrast and electron microscopy. Further characterization was achieved by extraction of parasitic DNA and partial gene sequencing of two mitochondrial genes, 16S rDNA and cox1. This is the first clinicopathological description of generalized demodicosis in Seba's short-tailed bats and includes the first molecular characterization of D. carolliae with provision of a GenBank entry. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To assess infection with or exposure to endo- and ectoparasites in Alaska brown bears (Ursus arctos), blood and fecal samples were collected during 2013–17 from five locations: Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve; Katmai National Park; Lake Clark National Park and Preserve; Yakutat Forelands; and Kodiak Island. Standard fecal centrifugal flotation was used to screen for gastrointestinal parasites, molecular techniques were used to test blood for the presence of Bartonella and Babesia spp., and an ELISA was used to detect antibodies reactive to Sarcoptes scabiei, a species of mite recently associated with mange in American black bears (Ursus americanus). From fecal flotations (n=160), we identified the following helminth eggs: Uncinaria sp. (n=16, 10.0%), Baylisascaris sp. (n=5, 3.1%), Dibothriocephalus sp. (n=2, 1.2%), and taeniid-type eggs (n=1, 0.6%). Molecular screening for intraerythrocytic parasites (Babesia spp.) and intracellular bacteria (Bartonella spp.) was negative for all bears tested. We detected antibodies to S. scabiei in six of 59 (10.2%) individuals. The relatively low level of parasite detection in this study meets expectations for brown bear populations living in large, relatively undisturbed habitats near the northern edge of the range. These results provide a contemporary understanding of parasites in Alaska brown bears and establish baseline levels of parasite presence to monitor for changes over time and relative to ecologic alterations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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.

Mange, a parasitic skin disease caused by various species of mites, is found in free-ranging wildlife populations and has been increasingly reported in American black bears (Ursus americanus) over the last decade in New York State (NYS), USA. Our goal was to describe the geographic, seasonal, and demographic factors associated with mange in this species in NYS. Our retrospective study used historic, opportunistic data from diagnostic necropsy records and visual sighting reports collected by the NYS Wildlife Health Program from 2009 to 2018. We used chi-square tests for independence and odds ratios to examine whether geographic location, year, season, sex, age, and reason for laboratory submission were associated with mange in bears. We used maps and seasonal analysis to investigate emerging patterns. We confirmed increased black bear mange reports in recent years. Necropsy data revealed more bears submitted to the laboratory because of mange, mainly caused by Sarcoptes scabiei; females were more likely than males to present with sarcoptic mange. We found that cases of mange in the Northern Zone were widely disseminated throughout the region, whereas cases in the Southern Zone were concentrated in two areas along the Pennsylvania border. Seasonally, mange cases showed peaks occurring in late spring to early summer and in fall. Our results were on the basis of available data; a comprehensive statewide surveillance program would be useful to better understand the apparent increase in mange and its potential impact on both the welfare of individual animals and the population of black bears in NYS. Additional research on the timing of transmission dynamics associated with females in winter dens may be helpful to wildlife managers to identify strategies to mitigate deleterious spread of the disease in black bears. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scabies is a neglected tropical disease and has been highlighted as a target for control. Sarcoptic mange affects animals, but mange is also considered a zoonosis. We present rapid assessment data on scabies and sarcoptic mange collected from key informants via a web-based questionnaire in Ceará State (1265 data entries). A total of 181/184 (98.3%) municipalities reported the occurrence of human scabies; 149 (80.9%) current occurrence; 168 (91.3%) severe cases; and 113 (61.4%) severe cases currently. Sarcoptic mange was reported from 149/184 (80.9%) municipalities, and severe mange from 128 (69.9%), most commonly in dogs (117 municipalities), cats (79), pigs (17), cattle (15), horses (15), and goats (2). Respondents from 171 (92.9%) municipalities observed seasonality of occurrence. Scabies and sarcoptic mange are important public health issues in a northeast Brazilian state. The wide distribution of severe cases requires an integrated One Health approach effectively and sustainably to reduce the disease burden., Competing Interests: Declaration of conflicting interestsThe authors declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

BACKGROUND Blacksoap® is recognized as adjuvant therapy for scabies, but there has been no significant study on its effectiveness. This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety between Blacksoap® and placebo on standard treatment for pruritus visual analog scale (VAS) and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) scores before and after receiving therapy. METHODS This single-blind randomized controlled trial was held in a boarding school in West Java in 2018. Subjects were recruited consecutively by random cluster sampling. Both groups received standard permethrin 5% cream therapy. The intervention group (n = 37) obtained Blacksoap®, while the control (n = 41) received baby soap. During the initial assessment, pruritus VAS and TEWL scores were taken. The cure rate, scores of pruritus VAS and TEWL, as well as side effects were assessed and compared during the first and fourth weeks. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 20 (IBM Corp., USA) by a third party, mostly using non-parametric tests. RESULTS The cure rate of the intervention group was lower than the control in the first week with 75% versus 81% but higher in the fourth week with 97% versus 92%. There was no significant difference in the scores of pruritus VAS and TEWL, as well as side effects between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS The efficacy and safety of scabies treatment were similar between Blacksoap® and placebo adjunctive to standard treatment. Blacksoap®, on top of standard scabies treatment, might benefit patients by providing a higher cure rate in 4 weeks without any considerable adverse effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Abstract Background Ovine psoroptic mange (sheep scab) is a highly pathogenic contagious infection caused by the mite Psoroptes ovis. Following 21 years in which scab was eradicated in the UK, it was inadvertently reintroduced in 1972 and, despite the implementation of a range of control methods, its prevalence increased steadily thereafter. Recent reports of resistance to macrocyclic lactone treatments may further exacerbate control problems. A better understanding of the factors that facilitate its transmission are required to allow improved management of this disease. Transmission of infection occurs within and between contiguous sheep farms via infected sheep-to-sheep or sheep–environment contact and through long-distance movements of infected sheep, such as through markets. Methods A stochastic metapopulation model was used to investigate the impact of different transmission routes on the spatial pattern of outbreaks. A range of model scenarios were considered following the initial infection of a cluster of highly connected contiguous farms. Results Scab spreads between clusters of neighbouring contiguous farms after introduction but when long-distance movements are excluded, infection then self-limits spatially at boundaries where farm connectivity is low. Inclusion of long-distance movements is required to generate the national patterns of disease spread observed. Conclusions Preventing the movement of scab infested sheep through sales and markets is essential for any national management programme. If effective movement control can be implemented, regional control in geographic areas where farm densities are high would allow more focussed cost-effective scab management. Graphical Abstract

This article describes two cases of notoedric mange concurrent with aelurostrongylidosis in two domestic-owned cats from a rural environment in Romania. Two European shorthair cats originating from the same litter were referred to our clinic, at 2 months apart, with a history of skin lesions, pruritus, weight loss, and respiratory signs. Cats lived mainly outdoor together with the queen and a third littermate. The latter two expressed the same clinical signs and had died before the presentation of the first cat. None of the four cats was vaccinated, dewormed, or treated for external parasites. Coat brushing, skin scrapings, skin cytology, earwax direct microscopic examination, and coproparasitological techniques (flotation and Baermann methods) were used as laboratory procedures. A blood sample was also collected for hematology, blood biochemistry, and feline immunodeficiency virus/feline leukemia virus (FIV/FeLV) test. Notoedres cati mites in high numbers were identified by all complementary tests, alongside fleas and Aelurostrongylus abstrusus first-stage larvae. The blood analysis revealed neutrophilia, and the FIV/FeLV fast test was negative. The cats were successfully treated off-label with selamectin spot-on formulation (Stronghold®, Zoetis) three times at 1- or 4-week intervals. Furthermore, they were treated with amoxicillin trihydrate/clavulanic acid, housed indoor, and fed with a commercial diet. Before presentation to the clinic, the female cat was unsuccessfully treated with a combination of fipronil, S-methoprene, eprinomectin, and praziquantel. During this period, the female cat remained outdoor and fed with home wastes. The cats become negative for A. abstrusus L1 larvae after 2–4 months of treatment. The owners developed pruritic skin lesions 1 month after introducing the first cat in the house. In conclusion, notoedric mange and aelurostrongylidosis can be treated successfully with selamectin as a spot-on formulation and the treatment must be continued until no parasite will be detected through specific techniques. The success of treatment depends on improving the quality of animal life (nutrition and hygiene) and treatment of secondary complications.

We developed a mathematical model to investigate the role of indirect transmission in the spread of infectious diseases, using the illustrative example of sarcoptic mange as a case study. This disease can be transmitted through direct contact between an infected host and a susceptible one, or indirectly when potential hosts encounter infectious mites and larvae deposited in the environment, commonly referred to as fomites. Our focus is on exploring the potential of these infectious reservoirs as triggers for emerging infection events and as stable reservoirs of the disease. To achieve this, our mean field compartmental model incorporates the epidemiological dynamics driven by indirect transmission via fomites. We identify different types of dynamics that the system can go into, controlled by different levels of direct and indirect transmission. Among these, we find a new regime where the disease can emerge and persist over time solely through fomites, without the necessity for direct transmission. This possibility of the system reveals an evolutionary pathway that could enable the parasite to enhance its fitness beyond host co-evolution. We also define a new threshold based on an effective reproductive number, that enables us to predict the conditions for disease persistence. Our model allows us to assess the potential effectiveness of various disease intervention measures by incorporating a feature observed in real systems. We hope this contributes to a better understanding of infectious disease outbreaks. • Different forms of disease transmission lead to different outcomes of an outbreak. • Fomites could act as a key factor for the transition into a stable endemic state. • There is a wider range of possible dynamics, even beyond those predicted by R 0. • A threshold for the defined parameter R S could determine the disease outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of mange in sheep in Anbar province by examining 462 heads of sheep. The disease was diagnosed by examining the skin scraping taken from the infected animals in the laboratory. The results showed that sheep were infected with Sarcoptes scabiei parasite, and the total infection rate was 34.6%, and no significant difference was recorded between males 34% and females 35.2%, the highest rate was recorded in the month of January %56 and the lowest in the month of August 13.1%, and the highest rate of infection was 49% in sheep at the age of 6 months - 2 years and significant differences for the rest of the ages. Head and neck lesions recorded the highest infection rate of 28.7 and 34.3% respectively. The study also included the effect of the crude watery extract of Onobrychis ptolemaica on the parasite, concentrations of 2.5-10 mg/ml have significantly affected parasites, it was noted the greater the concentration, the greater the effect during the different treatment periods. The highest concentration of 10 mg /ml resulted in the disappearance of all scabies parasites on day 14 of the treatment. Results showed sheep infection in Anbar province with mange in both sexes, high incidence of infection in young ages, high rate of infection in the winter months, and head lesions recorded the highest percentage of infection, the results showed the effect of concentrations of the crude watery extract of Onobrychis ptolemaica plant largely on the parasite.

Among the skin disorders of dogs, scabies is notable for its high occurrence rate and the need for veterinary interventions. There are two obstacles to making this diagnosis through direct investigation under a microscope (DIM): the continual need to make new slides when the results are negative and the long time needed for reading these slides. Thus, the objective of the present study was to compare efficacy between DIM and the technique of centrifugation-flotation in sucrose solution (CFSS) in samples from dogs in the semiarid region of the state of Paraíba, Brazil. Samples from 136 dogs were used, and three slides were made for each examination (DIM and CFSS). The readings were halted in cases of positivity. Positive samples were obtained from 56.6% of the dogs (77/136), of which 76.6% (59/77) were positive through both techniques, 13% (10/77) only through DIM and 10.4% (8/77) only through CFSS. The positivity rate did not differ statistically between the techniques. CFSS showed higher quality of readings, due to the considerably fewer artifacts on the slides, thereby optimizing the reading time. Sensitivity (85.6%), specificity (88.1%), accuracy (86.8%), positive predictive value (88.1%) and negative predictive value (85.1%) were obtained and the kappa coefficient (0.73) was considered substantial. It was concluded that CFSS showed high diagnostic capacity for scabies, similar to that of DIM, with optimized reading time, fewer artifacts and better display of mites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abamectin activity against mange in buffaloes was evaluated by using 0.2 mg/kg. B. W. of this drug as a single subcutaneous injection for treatment of 50 naturally affected buffaloes with Sarcoptic mange. There were no mites in the skin scraping of treated animals two weeks after treatment , new hair growth appeared in the infected areas four weeks after treatment, along with healing of the skin lesions.

Background: Ovine psoroptic mange (sheep scab) is a highly pathogenic contagious infection caused by the mite Psoroptes ovis. Following 21 years in which scab was eradicated in the UK, it was inadvertently reintroduced in 1972 and, despite the implementation of a range of control methods, its prevalence increased steadily thereafter. Recent reports of resistance to macrocyclic lactone treatments may further exacerbate control problems. A better understanding of the factors that facilitate its transmission are required to allow improved management of this disease. Transmission of infection occurs within and between contiguous sheep farms via infected sheep-to-sheep or sheep–environment contact and through long-distance movements of infected sheep, such as through markets. Methods: A stochastic metapopulation model was used to investigate the impact of different transmission routes on the spatial pattern of outbreaks. A range of model scenarios were considered following the initial infection of a cluster of highly connected contiguous farms. Results: Scab spreads between clusters of neighbouring contiguous farms after introduction but when long-distance movements are excluded, infection then self-limits spatially at boundaries where farm connectivity is low. Inclusion of long-distance movements is required to generate the national patterns of disease spread observed. Conclusions: Preventing the movement of scab infested sheep through sales and markets is essential for any national management programme. If effective movement control can be implemented, regional control in geographic areas where farm densities are high would allow more focussed cost-effective scab management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mites infestation and gastrointestinal parasites including coccidia are common problems reported in pets, petting farms and farmed practices. Sarcoptes sp. and Cheyletiella sp. could be a potential zoonosis from rabbits to human. Detection of mites and coccidia with their zoonotic potential in meat-farmed rabbits from three (3) commercial farms in Selangor were investigated. Tape impression, fur pluck, skin scraping and ear swab tests were used for mites detection and faecal samples was used for coccidia examination by using McMaster's technique and the identification of Eimeria spp. was further analysed by sporulation technique. The overall prevalence of mites and Eimeria spp. (oocysts) in rabbits were 51.85% ± 0.38 (standard deviation; S.D.) and 76.47% ± 0.42 respectively. Sarcoptes scabiei was the most frequent mite found (25.92% ± 0.44), followed by Cheyletiella parasitovorax and Psoroptes cuniculi. Nine Eimeria spp. were identified and the oocysts of E. perforans shows the highest prevalence (64.71% ± 3.97) followed by E. exigua, E. coecicola, E. magna, E. flavescens, E. irresidua, E. intestinalis, E. media and E. stiedai. There was a significant difference (p = 0.013) where large-scale farm has a higher prevalence of coccidia than small scale farms apparently due to the excessive stocking density as coccidia are easily transmitted among rabbits through ingestion of sporulated oocysts. In conclusion, mites and coccidia are commonly present in the commercial rabbit farms, thus control and preventive measures should be executed to reduce the incidence of parasites. The zoonotic mites Sarcoptes scabiei and Cheyletiella parasitovorax detected in this study could be regarded as a public health concern especially when handling the rabbit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The acaricidal efficacy of Deltamethrin 5%, Cyfluthrin 10% and Sulfur ointment 10% was evaluated for treatment of sarcoptic mange in farmed rabbits located in Sohag, Egypt, with consideration of the oxidative status and trace elements levels of treated rabbits. The rabbits were diagnosed either negatively or positively infected with sarcoptic mange then divided randomly into 5 different groups, 15 in each. Each group received one treatment; Deltamethrin 5% and Cyfluthrin-citronella oil mixture were both administered as pour on twice with 7 days intervals, while Sulfur ointment applied daily for 4 successive days. Infected and non-infected control groups were used and all investigated rabbits were daily observed. The symptoms subsided at 5th, 8th and 9th days until the 14th day in the treated rabbits with Sulfur ointment, Cyfluthrin 10% and Deltamethrin 5% with acaricidal efficacy of 73.8%, 85.6% and 60.7%; respectively, while the clinical signs disappeared at 28th post treatment for all treatments, but microscopically the efficacy rates were 98%, 100% and 95%; respectively. Conclusively, all tested compounds were effective at 28th post treatment. Deltamethrin is less recommended as it showed the lowest and slowest effect. Cyfluthrin and Sulfur ointment showed a significant correction of oxidative status and trace element level, but not Deltamethrin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban areas may support high densities of wild carnivores, and pathogens can strongly influence carnivore populations. Red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) are hosts of sarcoptic mange (Sarcoptes scabiei), which infects numerous species, and transmission can be density dependent. In Great Britain, urban red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) have recently increased in population density and undergone range expansions. Here we investigate corresponding changes in urban fox mange prevalence. We predicted a higher prevalence closer to historic epi/enzootics and lower prevalence where urban features reduce fox density and movements, i.e. large areas of public green space, and fragmented habitat, as measured by road length and urban perimeter shape complexity. We visually assessed mange symptoms from georeferenced images of urban foxes submitted online by the public, thus surveying private land on a national scale. We measured the proportion of foxes apparently showing mange and used SATSCAN to identify spatial clusters of high infection risk. Landscape features were extracted from urban layers in GIS to determine associations. Although mange was widespread, we identified a single cluster of high prevalence (37.1%) in Northwest and Central England, which exceeded double mean prevalence overall (15.1%) and mirrors the northward expansion of urban fox distribution. Prevalence was positively correlated with perimeter shape complexity and negatively correlated with distance to the nearest city with mange, although the latter association was weak. Our findings show that citizen science can effectively monitor diseases with highly visible symptoms and suggest that fox movements are influential in explaining spatial patterns of prevalence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The diagnosis of mange is problematic in the absence of mites in skin scrapings because many skin diseases present similar gross features as mange. The study evaluated the stepwise procedure for herd diagnosis of mange in the West African Dwarf (WAD) and Red Sokoto (RS) goats with greater specificity and sensitivity. Twenty-seven WAD goats (n = 27) and forty RS goats (n = 40) goats with mange-like skin lesions (alopecia, scabs, crusts, and scratch injuries) out of a total herd population of 114 WAD goats and 317 RS goats respectively in Nsukka, Eastern Nigeria, were examined by directed sampling method. Skin scrapings and biopsies were collected from the goats and processed using standard procedures. The skin scrapings revealed Sarcoptes scabiei in 7 out of 27 WAD goats with mange-like gross lesions and Psoroptes spp. together with lice (Linognathus spp.) and their eggs in 2 out of 40 RS goats with mange-like gross lesions. Histopathological studies showed that 12 out of 27 WAD goats and 2 out of 40 RS goats with mange-like gross lesions had microscopic features highly suggestive of mange; in other words, the prevalence of mange was 44.4% in WAD and 5% in RS goats. The negative samples were diagnosed as fungal infections, neoplasms, nonspecific dermatitis, and dermatoses. The combination of directed sampling by gross appearance, a parasitological study of skin scrapings, and histopathological features of the skin biopsies were used to increase the sensitivity and specificity of mange diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Black bears (Ursus americanus) have historically been considered an uncommon host for sarcoptic mange. However, over the last 25 yr, sarcoptic mange has been increasingly reported in black bears in the northeastern US. Syndromic monitoring is the most common surveillance approach for mange in bears, but tools to monitor exposure to Sarcoptes scabiei in bear populations have not been thoroughly evaluated under field conditions. In this study, we validated a commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), designed to detect antibodies against S. scabiei in dogs, for use in black bears with a sensitivity and specificity of 95.6% and 96.6%, respectively. To further examine the performance of this assay, serial serum samples from seven black bears with confirmed sarcoptic mange were collected posttreatment to determine the persistence of detectable antibody response with the ELISA. Antibodies in black bears waned to below the limit of detection between 4 and 14 wk, suggesting that serology studies might underestimate the number of exposed black bears after antibodies have waned. State-wide serosurveys in Pennsylvania from hunter-harvested black bears in 2017 and 2018 showed a significant difference in seroprevalence between regions with high occurrence of mange (mean seroprevalence 6.7%, range of 6.6–6.8%) and low occurrence of mange (no seropositive black bears were detected). Within Pennsylvania, these data indicate that the geographic distribution of exposure to S. scabiei, based on serologic testing, generally reflects the distribution of overt disease, as determined by syndromic surveillance. Collectively, these results indicate the evaluated ELISA is an effective tool for monitoring S. scabiei exposure in bear populations and provides the framework for additional studies regarding sarcoptic mange epidemiology in black bears. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hedgehogs (Fam. Erinaceidae) are among the most common mammals in Israel. Their innate sensitivity to external and internal parasites can cause critical damage to their population that could create an imbalance of the ecological environment. Mite are common external parasites of hedgehogs and the current recommended treatment is the use of ivermectin. The hypothesis of this study was that hedgehogs are infested with mites in their normal state and in disease, however with a difference in the severity of infection depending on the hedgehogs' general health condition. The purposes of this study were (a) Investigation and characterization of mites infesting healthy hedgehogs captured in their natural habitat; (b) Characterize the disease caused by mites in clinically affected hedgehogs submitted to a wildlife hospital (IWH) and (c) to assess the success of treatment with ivermectin. Data were collected over a period of one year (July 2011-July 2012) and included skin scrapings, microscopic examinations and fixation of mites for morphologic identification of mites' species. A disease severity scale was devised by the combination of clinical signs and microscopic examination of mites. Seventy hedgehogs were captured in their natural habitat, out of which 65 were not infested with mites and 5 were infested. Mite species were identified as Sarcoptes scabiei, Caparinia tripilis and one mite of the family Laelaptiae. Ninety three hedgehogs were brought to the Israeli wildlife hospital (IWH), out of which 48 were infested with mites identified as Sarcoptes scabiei. Thirty-four of the infested hedgehogs had dermatological signs only, suggesting that mange was not associated with any other internal diseases or injuries. No differences were found in the survival time of hedgehogs for the different degrees of skin disease, but survival rates dropped significantly during the first ten days of hospitalization, regardless of the severity of the dermatological disease. The release of hedgehogs back into the wild was made possible after 80-130 days of hospitalization, when their clinical signs had resolved. The significance of this work was the identification of the mite Sarcoptes scabiei as the most common mite species infesting hedgehogs in Israel and emphasizing that this species is a zoonotic parasite. Furthermore, to the best knowledge of the authors, this is the first report to describe the presence of a mite from the Laelaptidae family in a hedgehog in Israel. The clinical importance of this study is in realizing that prognosis is not related to the severity of the dermatological disease. The critical days for survival are in the first 10 days of hospitalization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of mange in sheep in Anbar province by examining 462 heads of sheep. The disease was diagnosed by examining the skin scraping taken from the infected animals in the laboratory. The results showed that sheep were infected with Sarcoptes scabiei parasite, and the total infection rate was 34.6%, and no significant difference was recorded between males 34% and females 35.2%, the highest rate was recorded in the month of January %56 and the lowest in the month of August 13.1%, and the highest rate of infection was 49% in sheep at the age of 6 months - 2 years and significant differences for the rest of the ages. Head and neck lesions recorded the highest infection rate of 28.7 and 34.3% respectively. The study also included the effect of the crude watery extract of Onobrychis ptolemaica on the parasite, concentrations of 2.5-10 mg/ml have significantly affected parasites, it was noted the greater the concentration, the greater the effect during the different treatment periods. The highest concentration of 10 mg /ml resulted in the disappearance of all scabies parasites on day 14 of the treatment. Results showed sheep infection in Anbar province with mange in both sexes, high incidence of infection in young ages, high rate of infection in the winter months, and head lesions recorded the highest percentage of infection, the results showed the effect of concentrations of the crude watery extract of Onobrychis ptolemaica plant largely on the parasite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infectious diseases, particularly of wildlife, are intrinsically linked to human and domestic animal health. Reports of sarcoptic mange in black bears (Ursus americanus) are increasing in multiple states in the USA and while the reason is unknown, mange in other species has been associated with immunosuppression from multiple causes. Serum from bears across Pennsylvania were collected to determine the seroprevalence of five pathogens important for animal and/or human health: Canine distemper virus (CDV), canine parvovirus (CPV), canine adenovirus-1 (CAV), Toxoplasma gondii, and Trichinella sp. from bears with sarcoptic mange as well as bears that were clinically normal. Several of these pathogens, particularly canine distemper virus, are associated with immunosuppression and secondary infections in other hosts. In addition to describing the seroprevalence and relating these findings to data from other regions, statistics were performed to determine if antibodies to any of these pathogens were associated with mange in bears. The overall seroprevalence to these pathogens was as follows: CDV 7.1% (17/240), CPV 16% (15/94), CAV 6.9% (6/87), Toxoplasma gondii 64.9% (194/299), and Trichinella spiralis 3.2% (7/220). While there was no association between mange and antibodies to these pathogens, infection with one or more of these pathogens has implications for bears, other wildlife, domestic animal, and human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Moxidectin is rapidly, extensively and strongly bound by plasma macromolecules. • Proteins can be isolated to allow bound moxidectin extraction and purification. • Isotope dilution provides the most reliable results in plasma, faeces and fur. • Moxidectin remains in blood to protect wombats from mites which cause mange. • Moxidectin is eliminated mostly unmetabolised in faeces. Sarcoptic mange in wombats results from a skin infestation by Sarcoptes mites and if untreated, results in a slow and painful death. Moxidectin is a pesticide used to treat internal and external parasites in cattle, but has shown to effectively treat other animals, including wombats. Two methods were developed to analyse wombat plasma, and methods were also developed to analyse faeces and fur. Moxidectin-D3 was used as an internal standard and behaved almost identically to moxidectin, resulting in recoveries of 95–105 % across the three matrices, even when matrix interferences caused signal suppression as high 20 %, or when moxidectin loss was high. This was presumably due to the high binding efficiency of plasma for MOX and MOX-D3. Moxidectin limits of detection were 0.01 ng/mL in plasma, 0.3 ng/g dry weight equivalent for faeces and 0.5 ng/g for fur. This study also developed a method to isolate plasma macromolecules, allowing the extraction of bound moxidectin for quantitative purposes, with an LoQ of 0.05 ng/mL. This method was subsequently used to determine that moxidectin was 97–99.4 % bound to lipoproteins in wombat plasma and 98–99 % bound in sheep, cow and horse plasma. The method reported for plasma was quick, cheap, and conducive to large sample batches, while providing high sensitivity. While faecal samples required additional cleanup steps to reduce the matrix effect, co-extracted matrix components such as undigested chlorophyll continued to result in ionisation suppression in the MS/MS. The methods reported here were used to monitor moxidectin in wombats treated with a single pour-on treatment, and confirmed that the moxidectin concentration in wombat plasma had decreased by more than 90 % by 28 days after application, while providing protection against sarcoptic mites over the majority of their life cycle. Clearance of moxidectin occurred via faecal elimination over the four week period and while moxidectin accumulated on fur due to application as a pour-on, concentrations declined rapidly by the four week period as fur fell out and was replaced by fresh fur that did not contain moxidectin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sarcoptic mange caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei is a worldwide-distributed skin infestation with a wide range of hosts, among them several species within the Felidae family. Sarcoptes scabiei was diagnosed in a dead adult female European wildcat (Felis silvestris silvestris) from Spain, based on histological evaluation of skin biopsies and identification of the arthropod from skin scrapings and molecular methods. This is the first description of Sarcoptes scabiei in a European wildcat. Due to its critical demography in the southernmost population of the Iberian Peninsula, the impacts of infectious diseases, including sarcoptic mange, as a new potential threat should be considered during disease surveillance programs of the species’ populations.

Abstract Background The oral systemic efficacy of lotilaner (Credelio™, Elanco) was evaluated against Demodex spp. in naturally infested dogs with generalized demodicosis. Methods In this study, 10 dogs with clinical signs of generalized demodicosis and positive for Demodex spp. mites based on skin scrapings were assigned to a single group orally treated with lotilaner (minimum dose of 20 mg/kg) on Days 0, 28 and 56. Results For lotilaner-treated dogs, pre-treatment mite counts based on skin scrapings performed at five different sites were reduced by > 99.9% (P

Introduction: The study aimed at evaluating oxidative stress using malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total oxidant status (TOS), and oxidative stress index (OSI) markers in sheep naturally infected with Psoroptes ovis (Acari).