The Sarcoptic Mange in Maned Wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus): Mapping an Emerging Disease in the Largest South American Canid

Abstract

The maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus) is the largest South American canid. In Brazil, as in other countries, it is considered an endangered species. Habitat loss, landscape changes, hunting, and roadkill are the main threats to this species. In addition, invasive diseases of domestic animals are considered to be an emerging threat to the maned wolf, where parasitic diseases are relevant. Sarcoptic mange is a skin disease caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei. This disease is currently almost globally distributed, with a remarkable host diversity. In Brazil, reports of sarcoptic mange in wildlife include several species, both wild and captive. However, the impact of this disease on wildlife is unknown. At the time of writing, there is only one published report of sarcoptic mange in maned wolves. This study sheds light on the occurrence of sarcoptic mange in free-ranging maned wolves in their natural range. A total of 52 cases (suspected and confirmed) of sarcoptic mange were identified through social media review, camera trapping, chemical immobilization and sample collection. These cases were distributed in southeastern Brazil, in the states of São Paulo (n = 34), Minas Gerais (n = 17), and Rio de Janeiro (n = 1), demonstrating a rapid and widespread spread of this disease, although it still only occurs in part of the species’ range. We expect that these results will help to subsidize future actions relevant to the control of this emerging disease.

Rescue and rehabilitation of maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus) in Paraguay: Case description

“…The absence of skin alterations and lesions in this case, unlike those described in some reports (Bodini Santiago & Fernandes Oliveira, 2001;MWSSP, 2007), could be associated to a balanced and supplemented diet and environmental hygiene (Rodden et al, 2012;Marchegiani et al, 2020), which can also relate to the absence of fungal spores or ectoparasites that are mentioned in other reports (Arrais et al, 2021;Cansi et al, 2012;Fiori et al, 2023;Gilioli & Silva, 2000;Luque et al, 2014;Maia & Gouveia, 2002;Pereira et al, 2018). Daily cleaning of the enclosure and removal of faeces and leftover food items reduces the proliferation of vectors and other potentially pathogenic microorganisms (Rodden et al, 2012).…”

“…A positive Jones test in this case suggested a physiological flow of the nasolacrimal system, although sodium fluorescein is commonly used topically for the detection of corneal ulcerations (Featherstone & Heinrich, 2013). On the other hand, the negative Rose Bengal stain indicates normal tear film components protecting the epithelial cells from the dye, such as mucin and albumin, which is used to detect tear film disorders and superficial epithelial abnormalities (Featherstone & Heinrich, 2013).…”

“…The maned wolf is a mainly nocturnal species (Bandeira de Melo et al, 2007), and although they rely heavily on audition and olfaction, for exploration and communication (Dietz, 1984), they also have very good eyesight, as one study suggests that they have behavioural and genetic trichromacy (Jotta, 2012). Before starting the ophthalmological evaluation, a distance examination is suggested, where the clinician can assess the animal's attitude and her ability to navigate the environment, as well as the conformation of the periorbital region, the orbit, size, position and movements of both eyes (Featherstone & Heinrich, 2013).…”