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Takano K, de Hayr L, Carver S, Harvey RJ, Mounsey KE. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic considerations for treating sarcoptic mange with cross-relevance to Australian wildlife. Int J Parasitol Drugs Drug Resist 2023; 21:97-113. [PMID: 36906936 PMCID: PMC10023865 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2023.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2023]
Abstract
Sarcoptes scabiei is the microscopic burrowing mite responsible for sarcoptic mange, which is reported in approximately 150 mammalian species. In Australia, sarcoptic mange affects a number of native and introduced wildlife species, is particularly severe in bare-nosed wombats (Vombatus ursinus) and an emerging issue in koala and quenda. There are a variety of acaricides available for the treatment of sarcoptic mange which are generally effective in eliminating mites from humans and animals in captivity. In wild populations, effective treatment is challenging, and concerns exist regarding safety, efficacy and the potential emergence of acaricide resistance. There are risks where acaricides are used intensively or inadequately, which could adversely affect treatment success rates as well as animal welfare. While reviews on epidemiology, treatment strategies, and pathogenesis of sarcoptic mange in wildlife are available, there is currently no review evaluating the use of specific acaricides in the context of their pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties, and subsequent likelihood of emerging drug resistance, particularly for Australian wildlife. This review critically evaluates acaricides that have been utilised to treat sarcoptic mange in wildlife, including dosage forms and routes, pharmacokinetics, mode of action and efficacy. We also highlight the reports of resistance of S. scabiei to acaricides, including clinical and in vitro observations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kotaro Takano
- School of Health, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, Queensland, Australia; Sunshine Coast Health Institute, Birtinya, QLD, Australia
| | - Lachlan de Hayr
- School of Health, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, Queensland, Australia; Sunshine Coast Health Institute, Birtinya, QLD, Australia
| | - Scott Carver
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Robert J Harvey
- School of Health, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, Queensland, Australia; Sunshine Coast Health Institute, Birtinya, QLD, Australia
| | - Kate E Mounsey
- School of Health, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, Queensland, Australia; Sunshine Coast Health Institute, Birtinya, QLD, Australia.
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2
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Escobar LE, Carver S, Cross PC, Rossi L, Almberg ES, Yabsley MJ, Niedringhaus KD, Van Wick P, Dominguez-Villegas E, Gakuya F, Xie Y, Angelone S, Gortázar C, Astorga F. Sarcoptic mange: An emerging panzootic in wildlife. Transbound Emerg Dis 2021; 69:927-942. [PMID: 33756055 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Sarcoptic mange, a skin infestation caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei, is an emerging disease for some species of wildlife, potentially jeopardizing their welfare and conservation. Sarcoptes scabiei has a near-global distribution facilitated by its forms of transmission and use of a large diversity of host species (many of those with broad geographic distribution). In this review, we synthesize the current knowledge concerning the geographic and host taxonomic distribution of mange in wildlife, the epidemiological connections between species, and the potential threat of sarcoptic mange for wildlife conservation. Recent sarcoptic mange outbreaks in wildlife appear to demonstrate ongoing geographic spread, increase in the number of hosts and increased virulence. Sarcoptic mange has been reported in at least 12 orders, 39 families and 148 species of domestic and wild mammals, making it one of the most generalist ectoparasites of mammals. Taxonomically, the orders with most species found infested so far include Perissodactyla (67% species from the entire order), Artiodactyla (47%), and Diprotodontia (67% from this order). This suggests that new species from these mammal orders are likely to suffer cross-species transmission and be reported positive to sarcoptic mange as surveillance improves. We propose a new agenda for the study of sarcoptic mange in wildlife, including the study of the global phylogeography of S. scabiei, linkages between ecological host traits and sarcoptic mange susceptibility, immunology of individuals and species, development of control strategies in wildlife outbreaks and the effects of global environmental change in the sarcoptic mange system. The ongoing transmission globally and sustained spread among areas and wildlife species make sarcoptic mange an emerging panzootic in wildlife. A better understanding of sarcoptic mange could illuminate the aspects of ecological and evolutionary drivers in cross-species transmission for many emerging diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis E Escobar
- Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Scott Carver
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia
| | - Paul C Cross
- U.S. Geological Survey, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center, Bozeman, MT, USA
| | - Luca Rossi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università degli Studi di Torino, Torino, Italy
| | | | - Michael J Yabsley
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.,Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Kevin D Niedringhaus
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Yue Xie
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | | | | | - Francisca Astorga
- Núcleo de Investigaciones Aplicadas en Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronómicas, Universidad de las Américas, Santiago, Chile
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Niedringhaus KD, Brown JD, Sweeley KM, Yabsley MJ. A review of sarcoptic mange in North American wildlife. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2019; 9:285-297. [PMID: 31304085 PMCID: PMC6599944 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2019.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2019] [Revised: 06/05/2019] [Accepted: 06/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
The "itch mite" or "mange mite", Sarcoptes scabiei, causes scabies in humans and sarcoptic mange in domestic and free-ranging animals. This mite has a wide host range due to its ability to adapt to new hosts and has been spread across the globe presumably through human expansion. While disease caused by S. scabiei has been very well-studied in humans and domestic animals, there are still numerous gaps in our understanding of this pathogen in free-ranging wildlife. The literature on sarcoptic mange in North American wildlife is particularly limited, which may be due to the relatively limited number of clinically-affected species and lack of severe population impacts seen in other continents. This review article provides a summary of the current knowledge of mange in wildlife, with a focus on the most common clinically-affected species in North America including red foxes (Vulpes vulpes), gray wolves (Canis lupus), coyotes (Canis latrans), and American black bears (Ursus americanus).
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin D. Niedringhaus
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, 589 D.W. Brooks Drive, Wildlife Health Building, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
| | - Justin D. Brown
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, 115 Henning Building, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Kellyn M. Sweeley
- College of Veterinary Medicine, 501 D.W. Brooks Drive, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
| | - Michael J. Yabsley
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, 589 D.W. Brooks Drive, Wildlife Health Building, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, 180 E Green Street, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
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Rowe ML, Whiteley PL, Carver S. The treatment of sarcoptic mange in wildlife: a systematic review. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:99. [PMID: 30867019 PMCID: PMC6416846 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3340-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2018] [Accepted: 02/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sarcoptic mange, caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite, is an infectious disease of wildlife, domestic animals and humans with international importance. Whilst a variety of treatment and control methods have been investigated in wildlife, the literature is fragmented and lacking consensus. The primary objectives of this review were to synthesise the diverse literature published on the treatment of sarcoptic mange in wildlife from around the world, and to identify the qualities of successful treatment strategies in both captive and free-roaming wildlife. METHODS A systematic search of the electronic databases CAB Direct, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, EMBASE and Discovery was undertaken. Data pertaining to study design, country, year, species, study size, mange severity, treatment protocol and outcomes were extracted from eligible studies and placed in a table. Following data extraction, a decision tree was used to identify studies suitable for further analysis based on the effectiveness of their treatment protocol, whether they were conducted on captive or non-captive wildlife, and the quality of their post-treatment monitoring period. RESULTS Twenty-eight studies met our initial inclusion criteria for data collection. Of these studies, 15 were selected for further analysis following application of the decision tree. This comprised of 9 studies on captive wildlife, 5 studies on free-living wildlife and 1 study involving both captive and free-living wildlife. Ivermectin delivered multiple times via subcutaneous injection at a dose between 200-400 µg/kg was found to be the most common and successfully used treatment, although long-term data on post-release survival and re-infection rates was elusive. CONCLUSIONS To our knowledge, this review is the first to demonstrate that multiple therapeutic protocols exist for the treatment of sarcoptic mange in wildlife. However, several contemporary treatment options are yet to be formally reported in wildlife, such as the use of isoxazoline chemicals as a one-off treatment. There is also a strong indication for more randomised controlled trials, as well as improved methods of post-treatment monitoring. Advancing this field of knowledge is expected to aid veterinarians, wildlife workers and policy makers with the design and implementation of effective treatment and management strategies for the conservation of wildlife affected by sarcoptic mange.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeleine L. Rowe
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Science, The University of Melbourne, Werribee Campus, Werribee, VIC 3030 Australia
| | - Pam L. Whiteley
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Science, The University of Melbourne, Werribee Campus, Werribee, VIC 3030 Australia
| | - Scott Carver
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Sandy Bay, Hobart, Australia
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Carricondo-Sanchez D, Odden M, Linnell JDC, Odden J. The range of the mange: Spatiotemporal patterns of sarcoptic mange in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) as revealed by camera trapping. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0176200. [PMID: 28423011 PMCID: PMC5397041 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0176200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2016] [Accepted: 04/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Sarcoptic mange is a widely distributed disease that affects numerous mammalian species. We used camera traps to investigate the apparent prevalence and spatiotemporal dynamics of sarcoptic mange in a red fox population in southeastern Norway. We monitored red foxes for five years using 305 camera traps distributed across an 18000 km2 area. A total of 6581 fox events were examined to visually identify mange compatible lesions. We investigated factors associated with the occurrence of mange by using logistic models within a Bayesian framework, whereas the spatiotemporal dynamics of the disease were analysed with space-time scan statistics. The apparent prevalence of the disease fluctuated over the study period with a mean of 3.15% and credible interval [1.25, 6.37], and our best logistic model explaining the presence of red foxes with mange-compatible lesions included time since the beginning of the study and the interaction between distance to settlement and season as explanatory variables. The scan analyses detected several potential clusters of the disease that varied in persistence and size, and the locations in the cluster with the highest probability were closer to human settlements than the other survey locations. Our results indicate that red foxes in an advanced stage of the disease are most likely found closer to human settlements during periods of low wild prey availability (winter). We discuss different potential causes. Furthermore, the disease appears to follow a pattern of small localized outbreaks rather than sporadic isolated events.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Carricondo-Sanchez
- Faculty of Applied Ecology and Agricultural Sciences, Hedmark University of Applied Sciences, Koppang, Norway
- * E-mail:
| | - Morten Odden
- Faculty of Applied Ecology and Agricultural Sciences, Hedmark University of Applied Sciences, Koppang, Norway
| | | | - John Odden
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, Trondheim, Norway
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Muneza AB, Linden DW, Montgomery RA, Dickman AJ, Roloff GJ, Macdonald DW, Fennessy JT. Examining disease prevalence for species of conservation concern using non-invasive spatial capture-recapture techniques. J Appl Ecol 2016. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.12796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Arthur B. Muneza
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife; Michigan State University; East Lansing MI 48824 USA
| | - Daniel W. Linden
- New York Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit; Department of Natural Resources; Cornell University; Ithaca NY 14850 USA
| | - Robert A. Montgomery
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife; Michigan State University; East Lansing MI 48824 USA
- Wildlife Conservation Research Unit; Department of Zoology; University of Oxford; Abingdon Road OX13 5QL Tubney Oxon UK
| | - Amy J. Dickman
- Wildlife Conservation Research Unit; Department of Zoology; University of Oxford; Abingdon Road OX13 5QL Tubney Oxon UK
| | - Gary J. Roloff
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife; Michigan State University; East Lansing MI 48824 USA
| | - David W. Macdonald
- Wildlife Conservation Research Unit; Department of Zoology; University of Oxford; Abingdon Road OX13 5QL Tubney Oxon UK
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Hameed K, Angelone-Alasaad S, Din JU, Nawaz MA, Rossi L. The threatening but unpredictable Sarcoptes scabiei: first deadly outbreak in the Himalayan lynx, Lynx lynx isabellinus, from Pakistan. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:402. [PMID: 27435176 PMCID: PMC4950640 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1685-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2016] [Accepted: 07/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Although neglected, the mite Sarcoptes scabiei is an unpredictable emerging parasite, threatening human and animal health globally. In this paper we report the first fatal outbreak of sarcoptic mange in the endangered Himalayan lynx (Lynx lynx isabellinus) from Pakistan. A 10-year-old male Himalayan lynx was found in a miserable condition with severe crusted lesions in Chitral District, and immediately died. Post-mortem examination determined high S. scabiei density (1309 mites/cm(2) skin). It is most probably a genuine emergence, resulting from a new incidence due to the host-taxon derived or prey-to-predator cross-infestation hypotheses, and less probable to be apparent emergence resulting from increased infection in the Himalayan lynx population. This is an alarming situation for the conservation of this already threatened population, which demands surveillance for early detection and eventually rescue and treatment of the affected Himalayan lynx.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khalid Hameed
- />Department of Zoology, Mirpur University of Science & Technology (MUST), Mirpur Azad Jammu & Kashmir, Pakistan
- />Department of Zoology, Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
| | - Samer Angelone-Alasaad
- />Institute of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies (IEU), University of Zürich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland
- />Estación Biológica de Doñana, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Avda, Américo Vespucio s/n, 41092 Sevilla, Spain
| | - Jaffar Ud Din
- />Snow Leopard Foundation, Islamabad, Pakistan
- />Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Muhammad Ali Nawaz
- />Department of Animal Sciences, Quaid-I-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Luca Rossi
- />Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università degli Studi di Torino, Via Leonardo da Vinci 44, I-10095 Grugliasco, Italy
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Fraser TA, Charleston M, Martin A, Polkinghorne A, Carver S. The emergence of sarcoptic mange in Australian wildlife: an unresolved debate. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:316. [PMID: 27255333 PMCID: PMC4890250 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1578-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2016] [Accepted: 05/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to its suspected increase in host range and subsequent global diversification, Sarcoptes scabiei has important implications at a global scale for wildlife conservation and animal and human health. The introduction of this pathogen into new locations and hosts has been shown to produce high morbidity and mortality, a situation observed recently in Australian and North American wildlife. Of the seven native animal species in Australia known to be infested by S. scabiei, the bare-nosed wombat (Vombatus ursinus) suffers the greatest with significant population declines having been observed in New South Wales and Tasmania. The origins of sarcoptic mange in Australian native animals are poorly understood, with the most consistent conclusion being that mange was introduced by settlers and their dogs and subsequently becoming a major burden to native wildlife. Four studies exist addressing the origins of mange in Australia, but all Australian S. scabiei samples derive from only two of these studies. This review highlights this paucity of phylogenetic knowledge of S. scabiei within Australia, and suggests further research is needed to confidently determine the origin, or multiple origins, of this parasite. At the global scale, numerous genetic studies have attempted to reveal how the host species and host geographic location influence S. scabiei phylogenetics. This review includes an analysis of the global literature, revealing that inconsistent use of gene loci across studies significantly influences phylogenetic inference. Furthermore, by performing a contemporary analytical approach on existing data, it is apparent that (i) new S. scabiei samples, (ii) appropriate gene loci targets, and (iii) advanced phylogenetic approaches are necessary to more confidently comprehend the origins of mange in Australia. Advancing this field of research will aid in understanding the mechanisms of spillover for mange and other parasites globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamieka A Fraser
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Sandy Bay, 7001, TAS, Australia. .,Centre for Animal Health Innovation, Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, 91 Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs, 4556, QLD, Australia.
| | - Michael Charleston
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Sandy Bay, 7001, TAS, Australia.,School of Information Technologies, University of Sydney, Camperdown, 2006, Sydney, Australia
| | - Alynn Martin
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Sandy Bay, 7001, TAS, Australia
| | - Adam Polkinghorne
- Centre for Animal Health Innovation, Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, 91 Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs, 4556, QLD, Australia
| | - Scott Carver
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Sandy Bay, 7001, TAS, Australia
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Prevalence of Sarcoptes scabiei infection in pet dogs in southern China. ScientificWorldJournal 2014; 2014:718590. [PMID: 24741355 PMCID: PMC3972830 DOI: 10.1155/2014/718590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2014] [Accepted: 02/18/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Little is known about the prevalence of Sarcoptes scabiei infection in pet dogs in China. In the present study, the prevalence of S. scabiei infection in pet dogs in Guangzhou, southern China, was investigated between January and December, 2009. A total of 3,977 pet dogs admitted to animal hospitals were examined for the presence of S. scabiei using a parasitological approach. The average prevalence of S. scabiei infection in pet dogs is 1.18% (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.85–1.52%). The prevalence of S. scabiei was higher in winter (1.42%; 95% CI: 0.29–2.55%), summer (1.39%; 95% CI: 0.83–1.96%), and autumn (1.1%; 95% CI: 0.53–1.68%) than in spring (0.63%; 95% CI: 0.02–1.25%). Furthermore, the prevalence of S. scabiei was the highest in Pekingese (21.88%; 95% CI: 7.55–36.2%), followed by Papillon (5.26%; 95% CI: 0–11.06%) and Bichon Frise (3.19%; 95% CI: 0–6.75%). The results of the present investigation indicate that S. scabiei infection is prevalent in pet dogs in Guangzhou, China, which provides relevant “baseline” data for conducting control strategies and measures against scabies in this region and elsewhere in China. To our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive report of S. scabiei prevalence in pet dogs in China.
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Alasaad S, Sarasa M, Heukelbach J, Mijele D, Soriguer RC, Zhu XQ, Rossi L. Advances in studies of disease-navigating webs: Sarcoptes scabiei as a case study. Parasit Vectors 2014; 7:16. [PMID: 24406101 PMCID: PMC3895661 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-7-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2013] [Accepted: 01/02/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The discipline of epidemiology is the study of the patterns, causes and effects of health and disease conditions in defined anima populations. It is the key to evidence-based medicine, which is one of the cornerstones of public health. One of the important facets of epidemiology is disease-navigating webs (disease-NW) through which zoonotic and multi-host parasites in general move from one host to another. Epidemiology in this context includes (i) classical epidemiological approaches based on the statistical analysis of disease prevalence and distribution and, more recently, (ii) genetic approaches with approximations of disease-agent population genetics. Both approaches, classical epidemiology and population genetics, are useful for studying disease-NW. However, both have strengths and weaknesses when applied separately, which, unfortunately, is too often current practice. In this paper, we use Sarcoptes scabiei mite epidemiology as a case study to show how important an integrated approach can be in understanding disease-NW and subsequent disease control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samer Alasaad
- Estación Biológica de Doñana, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Avda, Américo Vespucio s/n 41092, Sevilla, Spain.
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11
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Alasaad S, Granados JE, Fandos P, Cano-Manuel FJ, Soriguer RC, Pérez JM. The use of radio-collars for monitoring wildlife diseases: a case study from Iberian ibex affected by Sarcoptes scabiei in Sierra Nevada, Spain. Parasit Vectors 2013; 6:242. [PMID: 23965311 PMCID: PMC3765276 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-6-242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2013] [Accepted: 08/20/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Wildlife radio tracking has gained popularity during the recent past. Ecologists and conservationists use radio-collars for different purposes: animal movement monitoring, home range, productivity, population estimation, behaviour, habitat use, survival, and predator-prey interaction, among others. The aim of our present study is to highlight the application of radio-collars for wildlife diseases monitoring. The spread of wildlife diseases and the efficacy of management actions for controlling them propose serious challenges for ecologists and conservationists, since it is difficult to re-capture (or simply observe) the same animal in pre-determined temporal interval, but such difficulty is overcome by the use of gps-gsm radio collars. METHODS In the present study we report, for the first time to our knowledge, the use of radio-collars in the monitoring of Iberian ibex affected by Sarcoptes scabiei in Sierra Nevada mountain range, Spain. Twenty-five moderate or slightly mangy animals were radio-collared between 2006 and 2013. RESULTS The radio-collars allowed us to confirm the presence of resistance to S. scabiei within Iberian ibex population. Twenty (80%) of the collared animals recovered totally from mange, while the disease progressed in the other five Iberian ibex (20% of the collared animals) and the animals died. The average estimated recovery time of the resistant animals was 245 ± 277 days, and the estimated average survival time of the non-resistant Iberian ibex was 121 ± 71 days. Non-resistant animals survived at least 100 days, while all of them died with less than 200 days. Sixty per cent of the resistant animals were recovered with less than 200 days. CONCLUSIONS We report, for the first time, the successful use of radio collars for wildlife diseases monitoring using Iberian ibex/S. scabiei as a model. By using radio collars we documented that most of the Sarcoptes-infected Iberian ibex are resistant to this disease, and we estimated the average time for Iberian ibex recovering from mange infection and the average survival time of the non-resistant ones. We expect wider use of radio-collars for wild animals diseases monitoring, affected/not-affected animals interaction, and treatment efficacy, among others.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samer Alasaad
- Estación Biológica de Doñana, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Avda, Américo Vespucio s/n, Seville, Spain.
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12
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Alasaad S, Rossi L, Heukelbach J, Pérez JM, Hamarsheh O, Otiende M, Zhu XQ. The neglected navigating web of the incomprehensibly emerging and re-emerging Sarcoptes mite. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2013; 17:253-9. [PMID: 23624188 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2013.04.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2013] [Revised: 04/12/2013] [Accepted: 04/15/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Parasite presence in any ecosystem generates complex navigating webs (Parasite-NW) within the system, through which parasites move from one to another host. The appropriate assimilation of parasite navigating web is pivotal for a better understanding of pathogen flow in the ecosystem, with implications for disease control. Sarcoptes mite has been approached from medical, veterinary, entomological, physiological and, recently, molecular sides, to understand its epidemiological navigating web between isolates from different hosts and geographical regions. The obtained conclusions are still a matter of debate. Sarcoptes navigating web (Sarcoptes-NW) is intricate and uncertain, with unexplainable pathogenic flow. In this review we summarize by which routes, under what conditions and at what levels the Sarcoptes mite moves among its hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samer Alasaad
- Estación Biológica de Doñana, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Avda Américo Vespucio, 41092 Sevilla, Spain.
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Nong X, Ren YJ, Wang JH, Xie Y, Fang CL, Yang DY, Liu TF, Zhang RH, Chen L, Gu XB, Peng XR, Wang SX, Lai SJ, Yang GY. Clinical efficacy of botanical extracts from Eupatorium adenophorum against the Sarcoptes scabiei (Sarcoptidae: Sarcoptes) in rabbits. Vet Parasitol 2013; 195:157-64. [PMID: 23518619 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2013.02.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2012] [Revised: 02/03/2013] [Accepted: 02/19/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The aims of present study were to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of extracts from Eupatorium adenophorum against Sarcoptes scabiei. A 30-day experiment was performed using New Zealand rabbits that were naturally infested with S. scabiei in the toes (n=30) or artificially infected in the external ear margin with S. scabiei (n=30). Rabbits were randomly divided into five groups (6 animals per group, A-E groups for rabbits of naturally infested and F-J groups for artificially infected rabbits), respectively. All 60 rabbits were treated twice on days 0 and 7 successively. Animals in groups A/F, B/G, and C/H were treated on each toe/external ear margin with topical E. adenophorum ethanol extract at 1.0, 0.5 and 0.25 g/ml (w/v), respectively. Animals in groups D/I and E/J were treated with ivermectin by injections (positive controls) or by glycerol with water only rubbed onto the affected area (negative controls). After two treatments with extracts of E. adenophorum with relatively high concentrations of 0.5 and 1g/ml, the S. scabiei was completely eliminated in rabbits between days 14 and 30. Our results showed that rabbits treated with ivermectin (positive controls) and those treated with the extracts of concentrations of 1.0 or 0.5 g/ml achieved remarkable therapeutic efficacy; no mites were present in toes of rabbits in these groups on day 14, which confirmed a 100% therapeutic efficacy rate up to day 30 of the end of the trial. The clinical effects of treatment with 1.0 and 0.5 g/ml E. adenophorum extracts (groups A and B) were similar to ivermectin treatment. However, the therapeutic efficacy in group C and E rabbits only reached 43.25% and 7.13% by day 14. Furthermore, the therapeutic efficacy improved slightly by the end of the experiment on day 30, and rabbits in groups F, G and I also achieved good efficacy according to the recovery scoring criteria. These results indicate that E. adenophorum contains potent compounds for the effective control of sarcoptidosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Nong
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an 625014, China
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Mutinda M, Otiende M, Gakuya F, Kariuki L, Obanda V, Ndeere D, Ndambiri E, Kariuki E, Lekolool I, Soriguer RC, Rossi L, Alasaad S. Putative filariosis outbreak in white and black rhinoceros at Meru National Park in Kenya. Parasit Vectors 2012; 5:206. [PMID: 22992297 PMCID: PMC3480890 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-5-206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2012] [Accepted: 09/16/2012] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Habitat and food supply loss and disruption, together with man's pursuit of the animal's unique horn pose significant threats to the charismatic rhinoceros. Filarial worms have been thought to cause cutaneous lesions in black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis) in Kenya and South Africa, but never in white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum) in the wild, despite the fact that the two species live often in close proximity. Stephanofilaria dinniki has been implicated in the past as the causal agents for such lesions. FINDINGS In this paper we report a putative filariosis outbreak in both black and white rhinos at Meru National Park in Kenya. Four black and five white rhinos were affected by various degrees of filarioid-like lesions, while apparently all sympatric wild and domestic animals were filarial worm-free. Affected rhinos were captured and successfully treated. Comparison between the epidemiological aspects of white and black rhinoceros filariosis, and the possible relations between this outbreak and annual seasons, the presence of oxpeckers and other host species are discussed. CONCLUSIONS Our study highlights (i) that filarial infection is not restricted to black rhinos, but it affects both rhinoceros species, and (ii) the importance of the earlier detection and immediate treatment (capture-treat and release) of filarioid infections, which is of pivotal interest for wildlife conservation, and especially the endangered and isolated white and black rhinoceros populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Mutinda
- Department of Veterinary and Capture Services, Kenya Wildlife Service, Nairobi, Kenya.
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Gakuya F, Ombui J, Heukelbach J, Maingi N, Muchemi G, Ogara W, Mijele D, Alasaad S. Knowledge of mange among Masai pastoralists in Kenya. PLoS One 2012; 7:e43342. [PMID: 22912858 PMCID: PMC3422303 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0043342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2012] [Accepted: 07/19/2012] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Pastoralists in low-income countries usually live in close proximity to their animals and thus represent an important repository of information about livestock disease. Since wild and domestic animals often mix freely whilst grazing, pastoralists are also able to observe first-hand the diseases that are present in wildlife and as such are key informants in disease outbreaks in sylvatic animals. We report here the findings of the first study of the knowledge and role of Masai pastoralists in mange in wildlife and livestock in Masai Mara, Kenya. Methodology/Principal Findings In this paper we describe the knowledge of mange accrued by 56 Masai pastoralists in Kenya and how they respond to it in both wildlife and livestock. In total, 52 (93%) pastoralists had a clear idea of the clinical appearance of mange, 13 (23%) understood its aetiology and 37 (66%) knew that mites were the causal agent. Thirty-nine (69%) believed that mange cross-infection between domestic and wild animals occurs, while 48 (85%) had observed mange in domestic animals including sheep (77%), goats (57%), dogs (24%) and cattle (14%). The pastoralists had also observed wild animals infected with mange, above all lions (19%), gazelles (14%), cheetahs (12%) and wildebeests (2%). In 68% of cases Masai pastoralists treat mange infection or apply control measures, most commonly via the topical use of acaricides (29%) and/or the reporting of the outbreak to the veterinary authorities (21%). In the period 2007–2011, Kenya Wildlife Service received 24 warnings of 59 wild animals with mange-like lesions from the Masai Mara pastoralist community. The reported species were cheetah, lion, wild dog, Thomson’s gazelle and wildebeest. Conclusion Masai pastoralists have good knowledge of mange epidemiology and treatment. Their observations and the treatments they apply are valuable in the control of this disease in both wild and domestic animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francis Gakuya
- Department of Veterinary and Capture Services, Kenya Wildlife Service, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Jackson Ombui
- Department of Public Health, Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Jorg Heukelbach
- Department of Community Health, School of Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Ndichu Maingi
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Gerald Muchemi
- Department of Public Health, Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - William Ogara
- Department of Public Health, Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Domnic Mijele
- Department of Veterinary and Capture Services, Kenya Wildlife Service, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Samer Alasaad
- Estación Biológica de Doñana, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Sevilla, Spain
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies (IEU), University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
- * E-mail:
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Alasaad S, Permunian R, Gakuya F, Mutinda M, Soriguer RC, Rossi L. Sarcoptic-mange detector dogs used to identify infected animals during outbreaks in wildlife. BMC Vet Res 2012; 8:110. [PMID: 22776804 PMCID: PMC3407749 DOI: 10.1186/1746-6148-8-110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2012] [Accepted: 07/09/2012] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND One of the main aims of forensic investigation is the detection and location of people and substances of interest, such as missing people and illegal drugs. Dogs (Canis lupus var. familiaris) have had an important role in legal and forensic investigations for decades; nonetheless canines' keen sense of smell has never been utilized in either the surveillance or control of wildlife diseases. The rapid removal and treatment of infected carcasses and/or sick animals is a key task in the management of infectious diseases, but it is usually difficult or impractical to carry out in the wild. RESULTS In this paper we report on a study running over a period of 15 years, in which - for the first time to our knowledge - two disease-detector dogs were trained to follow the scent of Sarcoptes-infected animals and to find carcasses, even under the snow, and apparently no false positives were detected in fieldwork. Sarcoptic mange-detector dogs were used to collect the carcasses of 292 mangy wild animals and to identify, separate from their herd, and capture 63 mange-infected wild animals in the Italian Alps. CONCLUSIONS Properly trained disease-detector dogs are an efficient and straightforward tool for surveillance and control of sarcoptic mange in affected wild animal populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samer Alasaad
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies (IEU), University of Zürich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057, Zürich, Switzerland.
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