Sarcoptic mange: An emerging panzootic in wildlife

Abstract

Sarcoptic mange, a skin infestation caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei, is an emerging disease for some species of wildlife, potentially jeopardizing their welfare and conservation. Sarcoptes scabiei has a near-global distribution facilitated by its forms of transmission and use of a large diversity of host species (many of those with broad geographic distribution). In this review, we synthesize the current knowledge concerning the geographic and host taxonomic distribution of mange in wildlife, the epidemiological connections between species, and the potential threat of sarcoptic mange for wildlife conservation. Recent sarcoptic mange outbreaks in wildlife appear to demonstrate ongoing geographic spread, increase in the number of hosts and increased virulence. Sarcoptic mange has been reported in at least 12 orders, 39 families and 148 species of domestic and wild mammals, making it one of the most generalist ectoparasites of mammals. Taxonomically, the orders with most species found infested so far include Perissodactyla (67% species from the entire order), Artiodactyla (47%), and Diprotodontia (67% from this order). This suggests that new species from these mammal orders are likely to suffer cross-species transmission and be reported positive to sarcoptic mange as surveillance improves. We propose a new agenda for the study of sarcoptic mange in wildlife, including the study of the global phylogeography of S. scabiei, linkages between ecological host traits and sarcoptic

Sarcoptic mange outbreak decimates South American camelid populations in San Guillermo National Park, Argentina

“…Sarcoptic mange has been reported in at least 12 orders, 39 families and 148 species of domestic and wild mammals [6]. S. scabiei induces skin hypersensitivity, inflammation, intense itching, pain, and hair loss [7,8].…”

Environmental suitability of bare-nosed wombat burrows for Sarcoptes scabiei

“…However, one of the major challenges in developing a deeper insight into environmentally transmitted pathogens is understanding environmental factors that influence off-host pathogen survival. Much research focuses on the host, with comparably less focus on the environmental component ( Alasaad et al, 2013 ; Escobar et al, 2021 ). Understanding the factors that influence the environmental transmission of pathogens is an essential component of improved interpretation of disease dynamics, and may also lead to improved disease management ( Montecino-Latorre et al, 2019 ; Stevenson et al, 2013 ).…”

“…Sarcoptic mange (or scabies in humans) is caused by the epidermal burrowing parasitic mite, Sarcoptes scabiei . The pathogen affects almost 150 species worldwide, including humans, domestic animals, and wildlife ( Bornstein et al, 2001 ; Escobar et al, 2021 ; Mörner, 1992 ; Niedringhaus et al, 2019a ; Pence and Ueckermann, 2002 ). Sarcoptic mange is labelled as an ‘emerging infectious disease’ in some North American and Australian wildlife and is documented to have an expanding host range ( Escobar et al, 2021 ; Tompkins et al, 2015 ).…”

“…The pathogen affects almost 150 species worldwide, including humans, domestic animals, and wildlife ( Bornstein et al, 2001 ; Escobar et al, 2021 ; Mörner, 1992 ; Niedringhaus et al, 2019a ; Pence and Ueckermann, 2002 ). Sarcoptic mange is labelled as an ‘emerging infectious disease’ in some North American and Australian wildlife and is documented to have an expanding host range ( Escobar et al, 2021 ; Tompkins et al, 2015 ). Infection (sometimes also called infestation) results in immunopathology characterised by a type I or type IV hypersensitivity reaction which leads to skin inflammation and other more severe clinical signs, including alopecia, hyperkeratosis, pruritus and emaciation ( Bornstein et al, 2001 ; Pence and Ueckermann, 2002 ; Skerratt, 2003 ).…”

“…Highly susceptible or immunocompromised hosts experience the most severe form of mange disease, crusted mange (type IV hypersensitivity), characterised by intense clinical signs, secondary infections, and mortality ( Bornstein et al, 2001 ; Martin et al, 2018b ; Pence et al, 1983 ). The parasite is a priority concern for a range of species around the globe including the bare-nosed wombat ( Vombatus ursinus ), northern chamois ( Rupicapra rupicapra ), American black bear ( Ursus americanus ), San Joaquin kit fox ( Vulpes macrotis mutica ) and red fox ( Vulpes vulpes ) ( Astorga et al, 2018 ; Escobar et al, 2021 ; Tompkins et al, 2015 ). It is also a recognised Neglected Tropical Disease of humans ( Vos et al, 2012 ; World Health Organisation (WHO) ).…”