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Context

• Recently a Mange outbreak was reported among Asiatic wild dogs in Mudumalai.

Key points about mange:

Types of Mange:

• There are two main types of mange:
  • Sarcoptic mange (caused by Sarcoptes scabiei mites) and Demodectic mange (caused by Demodex mites).
  • Sarcoptic mange is highly contagious and can affect both animals and humans, while Demodectic mange is less contagious and is usually species-specific.

Symptoms:

• Symptoms of mange include intense itching, hair loss, redness, and inflammation of the skin. In severe cases, crusts and scabs may form, and secondary bacterial infections can occur due to the damaged skin.

Transmission:

• Mites causing mange can be transmitted through direct contact with an infected animal or through contaminated bedding, grooming tools, or living areas. Sarcoptic mange mites can survive off the host for a short period, increasing the risk of transmission.

Diagnosis:

• Veterinarians typically diagnose mange through skin scrapings, where they collect samples of skin cells and examine them under a microscope to identify the presence of mites or their eggs.

Treatment:

• Treatment for mange usually involves medications such as topical ointments, oral medications, or injections, depending on the severity of the infestation and the type of mite involved. Antibiotics may also be prescribed to treat secondary bacterial infections.

Environmental Management:

• Along with treating the affected animal, it's essential to clean and disinfect the living environment to prevent re-infestation. Washing bedding, vacuuming living areas, and treating other pets in the household may be necessary.

Prognosis:

• The prognosis for mange varies depending on factors such as the type of mite, the overall health of the animal, and how early the condition is diagnosed and treated. With proper treatment and management, many animals recover from mange successfully.

Prevention:

• Preventing mange involves keeping pets clean and healthy, avoiding contact with infected animals, and regularly cleaning living areas. It's also crucial to promptly treat any signs of mange to prevent the spread of the disease to other animals or humans.

Asiatic wild dogs:

• It is a wild canid found in the forests of central, south and southeast Asia. They are also known as Indian wild dogs, whistling dogs, red wolf, red dog and mountain wolf.
• Distribution:
  • They are found throughout Eastern and Southeastern Asia.
  • They can be seen as far north as Siberia, as far south as some Malaysian islands, and as far west as the Indian peninsula.
  • They are found in three clusters across India, namely the Western and Eastern Ghats, the central Indian landscape and North East India.
• Conservation status:
  • IUCN Red List: Endangered
  • The Wildlife Protection Act 1972: Schedule II
  • CITES: Appendix II

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Coimbatore/mange-outbreak-reported-among-asiatic-wild-dogs-in-mudumalai/article68053559.ece

PRACTICE QUESTION Q. Consider the following statements regarding mange and Asiatic wild dogs (Cuon alpinus): Demodectic mange is caused by Sarcoptes scabiei mites. Sarcoptic mange is less contagious compared to Demodectic mange. Mites causing mange can be transmitted through direct contact with an infected animal or through contaminated bedding, grooming tools, or living areas. Asiatic wild dogs are primarily found in the forests of Central and South America. The conservation status of Asiatic wild dogs is classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. Diagnosis of mange in animals is typically done through blood tests. How many of the above statements is/are correct? Only Two Only Three Only Four More than Four Answer: 1