A review of sarcoptic mange in North American wildlife

Abstract

The “itch mite” or “mange mite”, Sarcoptes scabiei, causes scabies in humans and sarcoptic mange in domestic and free-ranging animals. This mite has a wide host range due to its ability to adapt to new hosts and has been spread across the globe presumably through human expansion. While disease caused by S. scabiei has been very well-studied in humans and domestic animals, there are still numerous gaps in our understanding of this pathogen in free-ranging wildlife. The literature on sarcoptic mange in North American wildlife is particularly limited, which may be due to the relatively limited number of clinically-affected species and lack of severe population impacts seen in other continents. This review article provides a summary of the current knowledge of mange in wildlife, with a focus on the most common clinically-affected species in North America including red foxes ( Vulpes vulpes), gray wolves ( Canis lupus), coyotes ( Canis latrans), and American black bears ( Ursus americanus).

Graphical abstract

Highlights

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  Sarcoptic mange is an important wildlife disease across the globe.

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  There is a lack of field surveys on mange in North American wildlife.

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  This review summarizes the natural history of Sarcoptes scabiei.

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  There are few reports on methods to control mange in wildlife.

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  The known host range in North American wildlife is also addressed.