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The Curious Bag
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When microscopic parasites called mites infest the skin of animals, the disease is called mange, or acariasis. Mange is highly contagious and spread by direct contact.
Identification
According to the Iowa State University Center for Food Security and Public Health, more than 100 species of animals can get mange. Humans can also contract mites, but the disease is usually called scabies.
Types of Mites
Many types of mites cause mange. For example, the demodex mite causes demodectic or puppy mange, the sarcoptic mite causes scabies or sarcoptic mange, and the pneumonyssus mite causes nasal mange.
Symptoms
The most noticeable symptoms of mange disease are redness, severe itching and hair loss. Sometimes small blisters develop or the skin becomes thickened.
Treatment
Treatment for mange depends both on what type of animal has it and what type of mange it is. Consult a veterinarian (or a doctor if you have scabies).
Prevention
According to the Center for Food Security and Public Health, the best way to prevent mange is by identifying infected animals and treating them and any objects, such as towels and blankets, they have had contact with.
Source:
The Ohio State University Extension Pet Pest Management Bulletin: Mange
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