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--- Document: Mange in Fox & Coyote Document ---
Introduction
Mange is a highly contagious disease of
mammals caused by mites. Sarcoptic
mange is caused by the burrowing mite
Sarcoptes scabiei, which affects coyotes,
red foxes, black bears, porcupines, rabbits,
racoons, and humans.
Demodectic mange is caused by species of
the genus Demodex. Demodectic mange
affects white-tailed deer. Demodex mites
inhabit the hair follicles and associated
glands.
Notoedric mange is caused by species of
the genus Notoedres. Notoedric mange
affects gray squirrels, fox squirrels and
rarely bobcats.
Species Affected
There are several different species of mites
that cause mange. Sarcoptic mange,
caused by the burrowing mite species
Sarcoptes scabiei, is the biggest killer of red
foxes and coyotes in NJ. It is highly
contagious and can be spread to humans
and domestic dogs. Sarcoptic mange can
also affect black bears, porcupines, rabbits,
and raccoons.
Demodectic mange can be caused by the
species Demodex odocoilei, which affects
white-tailed deer.
Notoedric mange is caused by species of
the genus Notoedres. Notoedric mange
affects gray squirrels, fox squirrels and
rarely bobcats.
Clinical Signs
Sarcoptic mange results in intense itching
from an allergic reaction to the mite and
resulting in hair loss and thickening and
wrinkling of the skin. Secondary skin
infection is also common.
Mange in Wildlife
Office of Fish and Wildlife Health and Forensics
Coyote with mange - note
condition of normally bushy tail.
All red foxes and coyotes may have a few of
the mange mites on their body, but the
weak and stressed animals (young, old,
injured, etc.) are the most susceptible. A
healthy animal, well fed and non-stressed,
may have the mites present on their body,
their immune system fights off and
overcomes any problems.
Notoedric mange also results in hair loss
typically starting at the shoulder and chest
that will progress to the entire body.
Most deer harbor the Demodex odocoilei
parasite without development of clinical
signs. When they do succumb to the mite
areas of small to extensive hair loss often
with thickening of the skin are visible. Death
due to mange in deer has not been reported
and this particular mite only infests deer.
Most cases of severe demodectic mange in
deer have been in adult males during fall
and winter, though less severe cases can
be seen in adults in the summer.
Other possible causes of hair loss in white-
tailed deer, that are highly infectious and
transmissible to not only other deer but to
humans and pets, include a condition called
Dermatophilosis. This is caused by the
bacteria Dermatophilus congolensis.
Infected deer have pustules on their skin
and patchy hair loss. These areas are often
covered by loose crusty scabs with tufts of
hair stuck within the hardened crusts.
Sometimes the infected area can resemble
a paintbrush pattern. This disease is also
known as "Rain Rot" in livestock.
Adult deer seem to tolerate infection with
this bacterium well and generally recover. In
fawns the prognosis is less promising, with
some becoming weak and emaciated.
Occasionally, fawns may die when lesions
are severe.
If you suspect your pet has come into
contact with a deer with Dermatophilosis
contact your veterinarian. If you or a family
member is suspected of coming into contact
with the bacterium, please contact your
healthcare provider.
Transmission
Mange is transmitted by direct contact with
an affected animal or a contaminated
environment. Mites can live without a host in
high humidity and low temperature
environments.
Sarcoptic mange mites burrow into the outer
layer of the skin and form tunnels. The
females then lay their eggs that will hatch in
3-4 days. Larvae develop into nymphs in 3-
4 days and then into adults in 5-7 days. The
male life cycle is complete in 13-16 days
and the female in 18-23 days.
Demodectic mange mites do not burrow into
the skin like sarcoptic mites. Demodectic
mange mites inhabit the hair follicles and
associated glands. In this case, mites are
suspected to be transmitted from mother to
offspring.
Diagnosis
Definitive diagnosis of mange is made by
viewing skin scrape samples
microscopically to look for mange mites.
Epidemiology
Sarcoptic mange is globally distributed. The
season and weather conditions can
influence how readily afflicted animals may
succumb to the disease. If the animals have
mange in the winter, they typically do not (or
rarely) survive. In late spring or summer
they can survive the infection, and some
might even improve if their immune system
is not too compromised.
What to Do/Who to Contact
If an infected animal is observed acting
sickly contact the DEP Hotline (877-WARN-
DEP).
If you have come into contact with a wild
animal that has mange, please contact your
local healthcare provider.
If you suspect our pet has come in contact
with mange, please contact your
veterinarian.
If you suspect your pet has come into
contact with a deer with Dermatophilosis
contact your veterinarian. If you or a family
member is suspected of coming into contact
with the bacterium, please contact your
healthcare provider.
Additional Information
Mange | Cornell Wildlife Health Lab
Mange in Wildlife | The Wildlife Center of
Virginia
Cover Image from: US EPA
Office of Fish and
Wildlife Health and
Forensics