Sarcoptic mange and other ectoparasitic infections in a red fox (Vulpes vulpes) population from central Italy

• An overall prevalence of 84% for ectoparasitic infections was found in 50 Italian red foxes.
• Red foxes were infected by ticks, mites, fleas and Malassezia yeasts.
• Auricular infection with Malassezia was significantly more prevalent in animals older than 1 year.
• Malassezia was almost constantly associated with the presence of Sarcoptes mites and skin lesions.
• Based on prevalence, lesions and body condition, sarcoptic mange was the most relevant disease.

Fifty red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) from the district of Pisa (central Italy) were examined for ectoparasites. Sarcoptic mange was diagnosed on the presence of clearly visible skin lesions with confirmatory demonstration of Sarcoptes scabiei at parasitological and histopathological analysis. Ticks and fleas were collected directly from the carcases during post mortem examination, fixed and identified by morphological examination. For the detection of ear Malassezia and mite infections, cytological and parasitological examinations of ear wax samples were performed. All data were statistically analysed using a χ2 test with the Yates correction. An overall prevalence of 84% for ectoparasitic infections was found in examined subjects. In regard to isolated ectoparasites, 38%, 8%, 82%, 6% and 8% of foxes resulted positive for S. scabiei, Otodectes cynotis, Malassezia spp., fleas (Archaeopsylla erinacei, Pulex irritans, Ctenocephalides canis) and ticks (Ixodes ricinus and Rhipicephalus sanguineus), respectively. Malassezia ear infection was significantly more prevalent in animals older than 1 year (P < 0.01). Prevalence (38%), severity of lesions and poor body conditions observed in most Sarcoptes-infected animals indicate that sarcoptic mange should be considered the most important ectoparasitic infection of red foxes in the examined area.

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