Malicious Mites—Sarcoptes scabiei in Raccoon Dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides) in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Jana C. Klink - , University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover (Author)
  • Alexandra Rieger - , University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover (Author)
  • Hermann Ansorge - , International Institute Zittau, Senckenberg Museum of Natural History Görlitz (Author)
  • Sophie Aurich - , Justus Liebig University Giessen (Author)
  • Christiane Hoffmann - , Justus Liebig University Giessen (Author)
  • Christa Ewers - , Justus Liebig University Giessen (Author)
  • Marie Kristin Raulf - , University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover (Author)
  • Christina Strube - , University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover (Author)
  • Ursula Siebert - , University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover (Author)

Abstract

Sarcoptic mange was detected in five free-ranging raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides) in the federal state of Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, during a health assessment study of invasive species, including raccoon dogs, carried out between 2021 and 2022. Four raccoon dogs showed severe lesions, including extensive alopecia with thickening and hyperpigmentation of the skin (lichenification). The fifth animal was less affected, showing only thinning of the hair coat in multiple body locations. Skin scrapings were performed and confirmed the presence of Sarcoptes scabiei. Histopathology of the skin revealed diffuse epidermal hyperplasia and hyperkeratosis, mild eosinophilic dermatitis, and varying amounts of intralesional mites. Staphylococcus pseudintermedius and Corynebacterium auriscanis were detected in the skin samples of the affected animals, indicating a secondary bacterial infection. The source of sarcoptic mange remains unclear; interspecies transmission via direct or indirect contact seems likely. Raccoon dogs are therefore a potential vector for sarcoptic mange, and their behaviour could contribute to disease spread and persistence.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Article number1379
JournalPathogens
Volume12
Issue number12
Publication statusPublished - Dec 2023
Peer-reviewedYes

Keywords

Sustainable Development Goals

Keywords

  • alopecia, hyperkeratosis, invasive species, mange, raccoon dog, Sarcoptes scabiei, scanning electron microscopy