Fatal Sarcoptes scabiei and Demodex sp. co-infestation in wolves (Canis lupus) at the Bialowieza National Park, Poland - is it a consequence of climate change?

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

In winter 2021/2022, a wolf population in the primeval Białowieża Forest in Poland was struck by an outbreak of severe mange caused by mixed infestations of Sarcoptes and Demodex mites. We present an epidemiological analysis of this mange which caused significant morbidity and mortality.

Material and methods

Ten sites known for wolf activity were monitored by camera trapping. A diagnostic necropsy and testing of a young wolf was performed to determine the causes of death.

Results

Five young wolves with severe alopecia of the entire body and some other individuals with minor to medium mange lesions were identified by the camera surveillance. The necropsy of the carcass revealed emaciation, dehydration and anaemia with starvation as the cause

SUBMITTER: Krzysiak MK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11702252 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature