Mange, also known as scabies, is a skin disease that affects mammals including humans, according to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment. Microscopic parasites burrow into the skin of an animal or human and then the female parasites tunnel through the skin depositing eggs, causing itchy skin and fur loss in animals. Mites can live three to four weeks on a host.
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Types
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Several types of mange-causing mites exist. Two of the most common types are Sarcoptes scabiei and Notoedres centrifera. The first type, also known as sarcoptic mange, has been reported in wildlife including cottontail rabbits and red fox. In addition to wildlife, sarcoptic mange is common on household pets including dogs, cats, ferrets and hamsters. Notoedric mange primarily infests furry wildlife creatures, such as squirrels and feral cats and is not transmissible to humans.
Transmission
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Sarcoptic mites are known to cross species and are easily transmitted between wild animals and household pets that spend time outside. For example, if a pet dog catches a wild rabbit in the yard, sarcoptic mange can be transferred from the rabbit to the dog by direct physical contact. Transmission can also occur when an animal enters the nest or burrow of a mange-stricken animal. Mange can be transmitted to humans who touch an infected animal. Mange-causing mites are the most infective during a 36-hour window of their short three to four week life span, according to the Mar Vista Animal Medical Center in Los Angeles, California.
Symptoms
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An allergic response is common among pets infested with mange. In addition to consistent scratching, mange causes fur loss, the formation of scabs from breaking open inflamed skin and wrinkling of the skin. Mites prefer the smooth-skinned areas such as ears, elbows and the abdomen. House cats often cause additional damage to their skin by scratching with their claws.
On humans, mites prefer warm moist areas. A red, itchy rash may form along areas where clothing is snug such as under bra straps and near waistlines.
Remedy
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Before treating mange, a veterinarian must rule out the possibility of an allergic reaction (from food, medication or environment) by performing a skin scraping sample for examination under a microscope. Oral doses of broad-spectrum antiparasitic medication is known to kill mange-causing parasites, according to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment. Other remedies include medicated shampoos, injections and topical ointments. After treating the animal, sanitizing a pet's bed, kennel and collar with antiparasitic cleaners are required. Humans can apply a prescription-strength topical ointment.
Facts
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Mange can be fatal to wildlife animals in climates with temperatures that dip below freezing. Since fur loss can be widespread on the body, wildlife animals are unable to adequately protect themselves from the elements and may perish.
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