**Mange Mites** refers to several species of microscopic, parasitic mites that infest the skin of mammals (dogs, cats, livestock, and humans), causing a severe, contagious skin condition known as **Mange** (or scabies in humans). These mites burrow into the skin or live at the base of hair follicles, causing intense itching, hair loss (alopecia), crusting, and secondary bacterial infections. They are a high-priority veterinary and public health pest, requiring aggressive, systemic treatment.
Taxonomy and Classification
Mange Mites belong to the class Arachnida, subclass Acari. Key species include **Sarcoptic Mites** (*Sarcoptes scabiei*, causing sarcoptic mange or scabies) and **Demodectic Mites** (*Demodex* species, causing demodectic mange). They undergo simple metamorphosis. Sarcoptic mites are highly contagious and transferred through direct contact; Demodectic mites are normally present on the skin and only cause disease when the host’s immune system is compromised.
Physical Description
Mange Mites are microscopic, <0.5 mm long.
- **Appearance (Key ID):** Invisible to the naked eye. Mites are generally sack-like or cigar-shaped (Demodex). Diagnosis requires a veterinarian taking a **deep skin scraping** and examining the sample under a microscope.
- **Infestation Sign (Key ID):**
- **Intense Itching:** Severe, relentless pruritus (itching) is characteristic of Sarcoptic Mange.
- **Hair Loss/Lesions:** Patchy hair loss, redness, crusting, and thickened skin (often called “elephant skin”) appear, typically on ears, elbows, and hocks.
- **Contagion:** If a new pet or owner contracts the severe itching shortly after contact, Sarcoptic Mange is highly likely.
- **Conflict:** Medical, veterinary, and public health pest.
Distribution and Habitat
Mange Mites are found globally, especially common in areas with poor hygiene or high populations of stray animals. The mites live exclusively within the skin or hair follicles of the host animal, with limited survival time off-host.
Behavior and Conflict
The conflict is disease and severe pain/discomfort for the host.
- **Skin Damage:** Burrowing mites cause severe inflammation, allergic reaction, and skin damage.
- **Zoonotic Potential:** Sarcoptic Mange can be transmitted from animals (like dogs) to humans, where it causes temporary but intensely itchy red lesions (human scabies mites are a subspecies, *Sarcoptes scabiei hominis*).
- **Welfare Issue:** Untreated mange is debilitating and can be fatal to young or severely compromised animals.
Management and Prevention
Control requires veterinary intervention and targeted medications.
- Diagnosis is confirmed by **skin scrape microscopy**.
- Treatment typically involves **systemic medications** (e.g., isoxazoline parasiticides, Ivermectin, or specialized dips) administered by a veterinarian.
- Wash all bedding, collars, and brushes in hot water and thoroughly clean the environment, especially for Sarcoptic Mange.
- Treat all contact animals, even those without symptoms.
- Maintain a strong immune system in the animal (Demodex).
- Avoid contact with stray or infested animals (Sarcoptic).
Conservation and Research
Mange Mites are managed as critical veterinary pests. Research focuses on developing new, safer, and more effective systemic antiparasitic drugs and understanding the genetic factors that predispose animals to Demodectic Mange.