Understanding the Ecology and Epidemiology of Mange in Pennsylvania Black Bears

摘要

Mange refers to a group of parasitic diseases of the skin in wild and domestic mammals caused by multiple species of mites (Pence and Ueckermann 2002). Mange in bears is characterized by varying degrees of hair loss and thickened, crusty skin, which can lead to poor body condition, secondary infections and possibly death. In black bears, mange has been associated with infection with Demodex ursus, Ursicoptes americanus, and Sarcoptes scabeii. Historically, mange in black bears has been a sporadic problem involving individuals or low numbers of bears (Costello et al. 2006; Fitzgerald et al. 2008; and Schmittet al. 1987). In Pennsylvania, however, mange began to be observed more regularly in black bears beginning in the early 1990s, and has subsequently become a significant source of morbidity and mortality in an expanding area of the state. In 2014, Pennsylvania Game Commission staff documented 56 bears that had either died or were euthanized because of mange similar to the bear pictured.