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Serrano-Martínez ME, Alcántara GB, Enciso M, Mori FH, Albornoz LL, de Haan S, Juárez H, Tejeda SA, Camero CC, Burga-Cisterna C. Epidemiology of sarcoptic mange in free-ranging vicuñas (Vicugna vicugna): a cross-sectional study in Andean highland communities in Peru. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA = BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY : ORGAO OFICIAL DO COLEGIO BRASILEIRO DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA 2024; 33:e020523. [PMID: 38985054 PMCID: PMC11253819 DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612024030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
Sarcoptic mange or scabies is a contagious parasitic skin disease that affects a wide range of domestic and wildlife species. A cross-sectional study was carried out to determine the prevalence, molecular identification, and characteristics of sarcoptic mange in vicuñas. A total of 3,274 vicuñas were examined. Following ritual harvesting events ("chaccus") in 13 Andean communities. The presence of mange mites was determined by the skin scraping technique and confirmed by PCR analysis using specific primers for the ITS2 gene of Sarcoptes scabiei. The presence of mange mites was also confirmed by microscopy using samples taken from wallows. A data collection form was used to register the characteristics of the vicuñas sampled. The prevalence of sarcoptic mange was 4.9% (95% CI: 4.1 - 5.6%). All samples from wallows tested positive (9/9). Importantly, the presence of the species S. scabiei was molecularly confirmed. Adult females with regular body condition were more susceptible to sarcoptic mange, although the lesions were mild. This study confirms the presence of S. scabiei in semi-captive vicuñas and points to the possible role of wallows in the dissemination of Sarcoptes mites.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Marco Enciso
- Ministerio de Desarrollo Agrario y Riego – MIDAGRI, Lima, Peru
| | - Fahrid Huanca Mori
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Peru
| | - Luis Llanco Albornoz
- Escuela Profesional de Medicina Humana, Universidad Privada San Juan Bautista – UPSJB, Chincha, Peru
| | - Stef de Haan
- Centro Internacional de la Papa – CIP, Lima, Peru
| | - Henry Juárez
- Centro Internacional de la Papa – CIP, Lima, Peru
| | - Sthefany Aguilar Tejeda
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Cristofer Cruz Camero
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Cesar Burga-Cisterna
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
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Sala G, Gazzonis AL, Pravettoni D, Cafiso A, Grilli G, Ferrulli V, Boccardo A, Di Cesare F, Pavesi LF, Zanzani S. Effective treatment of sarcoptic mange in an alpaca (Vicugna pacos) using fluralaner: a case report. Vet Res Commun 2024; 48:1837-1843. [PMID: 38280082 PMCID: PMC11147896 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-024-10316-0] [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: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 01/29/2024]
Abstract
South American Camelids, including alpacas, have gained popularity in Europe as pets and prized wool sources. Skin health concerns, particularly mite infestations, have emerged as a notable problem in these animals. Sarcoptic mange can lead to severe itching, papules, and chronic symptoms such as alopecia, crusts, and emaciation if left untreated. This case report documents a 2-year-old female alpaca suffering from sarcoptic mange. Despite initial treatment with ivermectin, its condition worsened, leading to severe weight loss, abortion, and a continued presence of mites. Considering the lack of effective treatments for sarcoptic mange in alpacas and the unavailability of registered drugs for this species in Italy, fluralaner, a drug previously used in other animal species, has been administered orally at a dosage of 5 mg/kg. Within a week after the treatment with fluralaner, the patient exhibited significant improvement, including the resolution of itching, healing of skin lesions, and an increase in appetite. Follow-up skin scrapings confirmed the absence of mites, and the patient's condition continued to improve. Fluralaner demonstrated to be a highly effective and fast-acting treatment for sarcoptic mange in alpacas, offering potential economic benefits attributed to its single-dose administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Sala
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, via Livornese s.n.c, San Piero a Grado, 56122, Italy
| | - Alessia Libera Gazzonis
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, via dell'Università 6, Lodi, 26900, Italy
| | - Davide Pravettoni
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, via dell'Università 6, Lodi, 26900, Italy.
| | - Alessandra Cafiso
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, via dell'Università 6, Lodi, 26900, Italy
| | - Guido Grilli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, via dell'Università 6, Lodi, 26900, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Ferrulli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, via dell'Università 6, Lodi, 26900, Italy
| | - Antonio Boccardo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, via dell'Università 6, Lodi, 26900, Italy
| | - Federica Di Cesare
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, via dell'Università 6, Lodi, 26900, Italy
| | - Laura Filippone Pavesi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, via dell'Università 6, Lodi, 26900, Italy
| | - Sergio Zanzani
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, via dell'Università 6, Lodi, 26900, Italy
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Sós E, Sós-Koroknai V. Dermatologic Aspects of Zoo Mammal Medicine. Vet Clin North Am Exot Anim Pract 2023; 26:455-474. [PMID: 36965881 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvex.2022.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/27/2023]
Abstract
The article deals with the primary aspects of how to maintain healthy integument in zoo mammals and in particular why husbandry-related health problems can occur in general in a zoologic setting. While working with these species we are often faced with diagnostic challenges, which may include a general approach (often requiring anesthesia or medical training), lack of "normal" references, and difficulties, especially if the cutaneous signs are not a primary ailment, but a manifestation of a generalized disease (eg, immune-suppression). The different etiologies of skin problems are discussed with clinical examples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Endre Sós
- Budapest Zoo and Botanical Garden, Állatkerti krt. 6-12, Budapest, H-1146, Hungary; University of Veterinary Medicine, István u. 2. H-1078, Budapest, Hungary.
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Acebes P, Vargas S, Castillo H. Sarcoptic mange outbreaks in vicuñas (Cetartiodactyla: Camelidae): A scoping review and future prospects. Transbound Emerg Dis 2022; 69:e1201-e1212. [PMID: 35157357 PMCID: PMC9790737 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Sarcoptic mange is considered an emerging disease-causing countless epizootics and significantly affecting wild mammals worldwide. The vicuña (Vicugna vicugna) is a medium-sized South American wild camelid inhabiting Andean ecosystems, where several populations are live-sheared by Andean peasant communities as a way of providing an economic income to the people while promoting vicuña conservation. Institutions and scientists have shown concern for the impact and extent of sarcoptic mange in several vicuña populations across their range, as well as the lack of consistent knowledge about this disease in the species. Here, we perform a review about sarcoptic mange distribution throughout the vicuña's native range, evidence of effects of age and sex, the modes of transmission and the veterinary treatments employed. The review retrieved a few scientific papers, but found several reports and academic studies mostly considered as 'grey literature'. Mange was recorded across the entire native vicuña range (Argentina, Bolivia, Chile and Peru). Mange prevalence varied across vicuña studies (up to 60% prevalence in some populations) and severely affected a number of populations, being an important source of mortality. Mange was reported as more frequent in adults than in offspring. The modes of mange transmission remain unclear, although direct transmission between infected and healthy animals seems to be the most likely, including the transmission between domestic camelids and vicuñas. Regarding the treatments employed, ivermectin was the most frequently used. We further identified several gaps in knowledge and point to future research lines, which seek to promote both species conservation and the maintenance of live-shearing vicuñas under sustainable approaches in low-income Andean peasant communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Acebes
- Terrestrial Ecology Research Group (TEG‐UAM)Departamento de EcologíaUniversidad Autónoma de MadridMadridEspaña,Centro de Investigación en Biodiversidad y Cambio Global. Universidad Autónoma de MadridMadridEspaña,IUCN SSC South American Camelid Specialist Group
| | - Solange Vargas
- IUCN SSC South American Camelid Specialist Group,Departamento de BiologíaUniversidad de La SerenaLa SerenaChile,Universidad Católica del NorteCoquimboChile
| | - Hugo Castillo
- IUCN SSC South American Camelid Specialist Group,Facultad de Medicina VeterinariaUniversidad Nacional Mayor de San MarcosLimaPerú,CONOPAInstituto de Investigación y Desarrollo de Camélidos SudamericanosLimaPerú
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Sosa FE, Bertoni EA, Micheloud JF, Vallejo DMNM, Olmos LH, Florin-Christensen M, Romero SR. Occurrence of sarcoptic mange in free-ranging vicuñas (Vicugna vicugna) of the Andean high plateau region of Argentina. Parasitol Res 2022; 121:1587-1595. [PMID: 35396964 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07506-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Free-ranging vicuñas (Vicugna vicugna) are handled in some areas of the Andean high plateau region following an ancestral practice known as chaku, which consists in their transient capture and shearing of their fiber for commercialization. In this study, 807 vicuñas captured during 12 chaku events that took place in 2019 in the province of Jujuy, Argentina, were examined for typical mange skin lesions. Twenty-eight of the examined vicuñas presented alopecia with erythema, exudation, hyperkeratosis, and/or bleeding scarred lesions, mostly in the chest, rear and front legs, and inguinal zone. Most of the cases (82%) appeared in Laguna Cucho at 4900 masl, where 23% of the animals presented these skin reactions. Microscopic evaluation of skin scrapings revealed the presence of a great number of 0.1- to 0.4-mm-long mites of different life cycle stages, morphologically compatible with the species Sarcoptes scabiei. This etiological agent was confirmed by PCR amplification and sequencing of a cox-1 species-specific segment. Histopathological examination of skin biopsies showed extensive infiltration of the dermis with lymphocytes, neutrophils and eosinophils, hyperplasia at different stages, epidermis degeneration, and hyperkeratosis. This is the first characterization of sarcoptic mange in free-ranging vicuñas by clinical examination, mite morphology, histopathological studies, and molecular confirmation in the region. Mange hampers the welfare of vicuñas and the economy of the local communities that organize chaku events since infested vicuñas cannot be sheared. Its long-term effects are unknown but it might affect the fitness and survival of this iconic South American camelid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiana E Sosa
- Instituto para la Pequeña Agricultura Familiar NOA, Posta de Hornillos, 4618, Jujuy, Argentina.,Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas Y Técnicas (CONICET), C1425FQB, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Emiliano A Bertoni
- Área de Sanidad Animal-IIACS Salta, CIAP, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), RN 68 km 172, Cerrillos, Salta, Argentina
| | - Juan F Micheloud
- Área de Sanidad Animal-IIACS Salta, CIAP, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), RN 68 km 172, Cerrillos, Salta, Argentina
| | - Diego M N Medina Vallejo
- Área de Sanidad Animal-IIACS Salta, CIAP, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), RN 68 km 172, Cerrillos, Salta, Argentina
| | - Leandro H Olmos
- Área de Sanidad Animal-IIACS Salta, CIAP, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), RN 68 km 172, Cerrillos, Salta, Argentina
| | - Mónica Florin-Christensen
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas Y Técnicas (CONICET), C1425FQB, Buenos Aires, Argentina. .,Instituto de Patobiologia Veterinaria, INTA-CONICET, Centro de Investigaciones en Ciencias Veeterinarias y Agronomicas, INTA, Los Reseros y Nicolas Repetto S/N, 1686, Hurlingham, Argentina.
| | - Sandra R Romero
- Instituto para la Pequeña Agricultura Familiar NOA, Posta de Hornillos, 4618, Jujuy, Argentina
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Deak G, Moroni B, Boncea AM, Rambozzi L, Rossi L, Mihalca AD. Case Report: Successful Treatment of Sarcoptic Mange in European Camelids. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:742543. [PMID: 34595232 PMCID: PMC8478119 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.742543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Members of the Camelidae family are very adaptable mammals, originating from South America. More recently, they have become popular in Europe as pets or wool production farm animals. Their dermatological problems refer mainly to mange, of which sarcoptic mange represent the most clinically relevant form. There is a wide range of molecules effective against sarcoptic mange, but the treatment is very challenging due to the lack of efficiency and absorption. Methods: Two cases from two different animal populations were described. A female alpaca from Romania with dermatological problems on the ears and two adult llamas, from Italy, both with intense pruritus. Combined treatment with amitraz and subcutaneous eprinomectin was administered for the alpaca, and 2% moxidectin was given to the llamas. Results: In both cases, the mites were morphologically identified as Sarcoptes scabiei. For the alpaca, negative scrapings were found only after 8 weeks of combined treatment. For the llamas, after four doses of subcutaneous moxidectin, no mites were detected in scrapings and lively hair regrowth of previously alopecic areas was visible. Conclusion: This paper aimed to present two clinical scenarios of sarcoptic mange in camelids, successfully treated with a combination of ectocides (topical amitraz and subcutaneous eprinomectin) and 2% subcutaneous moxidectin, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgiana Deak
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Barbara Moroni
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Paolo Braccini, Italy
| | | | - Luisa Rambozzi
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Paolo Braccini, Italy
| | - Luca Rossi
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Paolo Braccini, Italy
| | - Andrei Daniel Mihalca
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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