First detection of sarcoptic mange in free-ranging wild boar (Sus scrofa) in Switzerland

Abstract

In Switzerland sarcoptic mange is frequent in free-ranging wild carnivores but until recent years no cases had been recorded in wild ungulates. Since 2010, cases have been observed in wild boar in the cantons of Solothurn, Tessin and Thurgau. Here, we report the detection of mange-like skin lesions in wild boars by photo-trapping and the post-mortem findings in 6 culled animals presenting different stages of the disease. Potential sources of infection include mangy red foxes, outdoor domestic pigs and wild boars from surrounding countries. Disease spread in the wild boar population may become relevant not only for wildlife but also for domestic pig health in the future if piggeries' biosecurity is insufficient to prevent interactions with wild boar.

Evaluation of a Commercial ELISA for the Detection of Antibodies toSarcoptes scabieiin Wild Boar (Sus scrofa)

“…However, in wild boar, mange is apparently associated with low mortality despite high morbidity (Haas et al 2015) and so far the disease has been poorly investigated in this species.…”

“…In recent years, sarcoptic mange has been newly detected in the free-ranging wild boar population in Switzerland and the question was raised as whether the disease has been endemic but previously undetected or has truly emerged in the population (Haas et al 2015). A serosurvey on new and archived samples may contribute to assessing the current and former spread of the infection in the population.…”

“…Three animals were shot by hunters in the region of Solothurn (47u129000 to 47u249000N; 7u249000 to 7u309000E), Switzerland, and submitted to necropsy; S. scabiei was detected in skin samples of all three cases (Haas et al 2015). Additionally, 138 samples were collected from 50 live wild boars with MLLs that were captured, marked, and recaptured several times in the Petite Pierre National Reserve (48u30900N, 7u0900E), Bas-Rhin region, France, where mange is common in wild boar (S.R.…”

Suidae and Tayassuidae

“…Sarcoptes scabei var suis, the cause of sarcoptic mange, are global pests of domestic pigs that have also been reported in free-ranging wild boars, warthogs, and peccaries Haas et al, 2015). Lesions are similar to those described in other species and include alopecia and crusting dermatitis with lichenification that primarily affects the ventrum and extremities.…”

National competence center for wildlife diseases in Switzerland: Mandate, development and current strategies

“…If disease etiology cannot be determined, syndro mic approaches are applied to study risk factors such as sex, age, geographical location and seasonality of dis eases, and to formulate hypotheses regarding potential disease causes (Euzenat, 2004). Syndromic approaches are also used for early detection and monitoring of dis eases with typical macroscopic signs, such as the first cases of sarcoptic mange in wild boar in Switzerland (Haas et al, 2015). Finally, diagnostic data are used for retrospective studies to provide an overview on disease occurrence in selected species, identify spatiotemporal trends and potential needs for targeted investigations (SchmidtPosthaus et al, 2002;Euzenat, 2004;Wim mershoff et al, 2012).…”