Sarcoptic mange: An emerging panzootic in wildlife

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Parasitology
• Wildlife Ecology
• Conservation Biology

Background:

• Sarcoptic mange, a skin disease caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei, is an emerging threat to wildlife welfare and conservation.
• The mite has a near-global distribution and infects a wide range of mammal species, facilitating its spread.
• Recent outbreaks indicate geographic expansion, increased host susceptibility, and heightened virulence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize current knowledge on the geographic and host distribution of sarcoptic mange in wildlife.
• To examine epidemiological links between species and assess the threat to wildlife conservation.
• To propose a future research agenda for understanding and managing sarcoptic mange in wildlife.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on Sarcoptes scabiei distribution and epidemiology in wildlife.
• Analysis of host taxonomic and geographic data for reported sarcoptic mange cases.
• Identification of knowledge gaps and formulation of research priorities.

Main Results:

• Sarcoptic mange affects at least 148 mammal species across 12 orders, with high infestation rates in Perissodactyla, Artiodactyla, and Diprotodontia.
• Evidence suggests ongoing geographic spread and increased virulence of the disease in wildlife populations.
• Cross-species transmission is a significant factor, with potential for new host species to become infected.

Conclusions:

• Sarcoptic mange is an emerging panzootic in wildlife, posing a substantial threat to biodiversity.
• Further research is crucial, focusing on phylogeography, host susceptibility, immunology, control strategies, and environmental change impacts.
• Understanding sarcoptic mange can provide insights into the drivers of cross-species transmission for emerging infectious diseases.