Clinical evaluation of sarcoptic mange (Sarcoptes scabiei) in maned wolves (Chrysocyon brachyurus)

Sarcoptic mange is a disease potentially threatening to Brazilian carnivores, especially maned wolves (Chrysocyon brachyurus). Recently, an outbreak of sarcoptic mange has affected maned wolves in part of their range; therefore, it is a priority to assess the clinical manifestation of the disease. A total of 20 maned wolves were evaluated in Southeast Brazil, 12 of which from research projects and eight were rescued between 2008 and 2023. Since the clinical signs of the sarcoptic mange vary considerably, the maned wolves were classified according to the degree of clinical manifestation and the lesion severity. According to the extension of the body affected by sarcoptic mange, two maned wolves (10%) were classified as level I (< 25% of the body affected), five (25%) as level II (26-50% of the body affected), three (15%) as level III (51-75% of the body affected), and ten maned wolves (50%) as level IV (76-100% of the body affected). By lesion severity, five maned wolves (25%) had type A lesions (mild lesions), ten (50%) had type B lesions, and five (25%) had type C lesions (severe lesions). The maned wolves classified as III-C and IV-C were transferred to captivity to receive intensive veterinary care. The definitive diagnosis was challenging due to the low sensitivity of the available diagnostic tests, suggesting that future research should use a diagnostic protocol that combines blood serum antibody testing with skin scrapings and histopathology.