SARCOPTIC MANGE (Sarcoptes scabiei var. canis) • Sarcoptes scabiei has a broad host range, capable of infesting more than 100 mammalian species, including companion animals, livestock, wildlife and humans. 1 Sarcoptes scabiei is considered to be a single species divided into strains based on host specificity. • Sarcoptic mange (or canine scabies) is a highly contagious, pruritic, ectoparasitic disease of dogs caused by the dog adapted variety, S. scabiei var. canis. • Human scabies is mostly associated with the human host-adapted variety S. scabiei var. hominis after direct human-to-human transmission, however zoonotic infestation with S. scabiei var. canis from dogs may occur.
ACAZAP RECOMMENDATIONS
effective acaricide and appropriate cleaning is performed as detailed above. • All dogs in the household should be treated concurrently. In multi-dog households, it is possible some dogs may harbour Sarcoptes mites without demonstrating clinical signs. Other pets in the household (such as cats, guinea pigs and rabbits) should also be checked for mites. • Individuals exposed to infested pets should seek medical advice if they develop any cutaneous lesions. All members of the family and close contacts should seek medical advice and be treated if necessary.
• An all year-round parasite control program in dogs with a parasiticide registered to treat and control mites and other ectoparasites is recommended. • Thorough cleaning or disposal of bedding and grooming equipment from mite-infested dogs is essential. Whilst mite survival off the host is poor, fomites are a potential source of re-infestation. Bedding, towels and other materials should be washed (preferably on a hot cycle) or subjected to heat (from a clothes dryer). • Environmental control products containing a pyrethroid may be effective against S. scabiei, however this is generally not required to manage infestations if animals are treated with an
IN ANIMALS
AETIOLOGY AND EPIDEMIOLOGY • Sarcoptes scabiei var. canis has a host preference for dogs and other canids, including foxes. Sarcoptes
tunnels or burrows in the horny layer of the epidermis, with females laying 2-3 eggs per day. Tissue-feeding larvae moult two days later, either moving to the skin surface to dig new moulting pockets or remaining in the tunnels where they hatch. After 4-6 days, larvae moult into protonymphs, followed by tritonymphs which then develop into adults. Males live for about 3-4 weeks while females live for up to 3 months. 4 The prepatent period of S. scabiei var. canis is 14-21 days, with mites beginning to lay eggs within approximately three days of becoming adults. 4 • Sarcoptes mites survive for a short time in the external environment (1-2 days) at room temperature (25oC and 25-97% relative humidity). 5 High relative humidity and low temperature prolong the environmental survival of mites. 5
infestations of cats have been reported but are rare. 2 • Sarcoptic mange is non-seasonal and highly contagious, with transmission primarily occurring through direct contact. Cross infestation of Sarcoptes scabiei var. canis between dogs and foxes is not uncommon in dogs with a history of access to foxes. 2 Transfer of mites between hosts may also occur indirectly through contaminated bedding, cages or grooming equipment. 3 • Sarcoptes mites are obligate parasites, with their entire life cycle taking place on host animals (on the skin surface and in tunnels burrowed into the epidermis). Mites dig out
CONTENTS
75 Companion Animal Zoonoses Guidelines
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