Mange

What is mange and what causes it?

A common misconception is that mange is a disease. Rather, mange is an infestation of several species of mite. Female mites burrow beneath the skin of animals to lay their eggs, the eggs hatch and cause discomfort, itching and pain. As time passes, fur is lost and replaced by thick scab-like plaques causing ridges over the skin. In serious cases, this can result in open wounds which become infected and fly-blown. If left untreated, mange can cause blindness, deafness and can be fatal.

Mange is highly contagious as it is an external parasite which can be transferred via direct contact or indirect contact (environment, food, water). Other parasites such as fleas, ticks and lice can be vectors through which mange can be transferred. The increase in periods of drought, force wildlife populations into closer proximity with one another, resulting in higher cases of mange. This can put whole populations at risk.

Which species are most affected?

In Australia, wombats are the most common species to be impacted by mange, particularly the bare-nosed wombat. Although they are relatively solitary animals, wombats do change burrows frequently (around every one to nine days). Additionally, studies have shown mites can survive in burrows for up to 16 days. If a healthy wombat uses the burrow of an infected one within those nine days, the mites will have found a new host.

Other impacted species include:

• Koalas

• Dingoes

• Wallabies

• Bandicoots

• Foxes