First description of sarcoptic mange in a wild coati (Nasua narica), in Ecuador, and cooccurrence of canine distemper virus

Abstract

We present a case of Sarcoptes and canine distemper virus (CDV) infection in a white-nosed coati (Nasua narica) that was trapped in the dry tropical forest of Cerro Blanco reserve, located in the coastal region of Ecuador. Sarcoptic mange is a highly contagious and zoonotic disease with worldwide distribution that causes epidemics. Mange is produced by Sarcoptes mites that causes severe epidermal damage. Secondary infections and physiological constrictions without treatment can lead to death of the host. In addition, cooccurrence of canine distemper virus was detected via iiRT-PCR from serum samples. Physical analyses showed that 90% of the skin was affected by severe alopecia due to the sarcoptic mange infection. The presence of mites and histopathological analyses confirmed the diagnosis of infection. This coati was taken to a veterinary clinic and was fed every day, but it died after four days. This is the first report of sarcoptic mange and the first report of CDV in white-nosed coatis in South America. Further studies are needed in this region, to seek out other suspected cases, given the high capacity for disease transmission. Preventive actions to avoid epidemic and zoonotic episodes are needed.

First report of Sarcoptes scabiei parasitism (Sarcoptiformes: Sarcoptidae) in Lycalopes sechurae (Mammalia: Carnivora)

“…Injected ivermectin was efficient in the treatment of this case of scabies infection in sechuran fox L. sechurae. This second case of sarcoptic mange within one year (Villalba-Briones et al, 2022) proves that mange is infecting various species. Sarcoptic mange can infect a wide array of species, and the continuous presence of dogs in natural habitats facilitates cross-species infection and spread.…”

“…Such studies may lead to more efficient conservation actions. This report presents the first case of sarcoptic mange in a sechuran fox and the second published case of mange affecting wildlife in the Guayas province and Ecuador (Villalba-Briones et al, 2022).…”

“…The symptoms of sarcoptic mange include alopecia, hyperkeratosis and erythema, often accompanied by intense pruritus and loss of heat. Depending on multiple factors, these symptoms may be severe, and they produce weakening, loss of body mass and ultimately death (Süld et al, 2017;Villalba-Briones et al, 2022).…”

“…Recently, there have been reports of sarcoptic mange presence in wild and domestic animals in Guayaquil, Ecuador (Jordan et al, 2019;Villalba-Briones et al, 2022). In 2021 a white-nosed coati (Nasua narica) was captured in the Protected Forest of Cerro Blanco (Guayas, Ecuador) for treatment due to the high grade alopecia that showed to be a severe sarcoptic mange infection (Villalba-Briones et al, 2022). In this case S. scabiei had infested the 90% of its body surface and the individual perished 4 days after capture.…”