As part of a larger study on sarcoptic mange in Pennsylvania’s black bears, and with the help of many trappers and hunters throughout Pennsylvania, we collected skin samples from 14 coyotes and 5 red foxes with signs of mange this past winter. Mange is caused by a parasitic mite that burrows under the skin and causes a hypersensitivity reaction so severe that it can lead to changes in behavior and movement, weight loss, secondary infections, and even death. Coyotes and red foxes have historically been affected by sarcoptic mange, however the first case of this disease in black bears was only described in 1991 in Pennsylvania. It has since increased in geographic range, incidence, and number of bears euthanized due to this disease. To better understand why mange is now present in PA’s bear population and best management practices for this disease, we are studying differences in host immune responses, mite burden, and mite genetics between canids and black bears. While we have yet to find mites present on a coyote that presents with mange symptoms, we are still able to gather other critical samples for this research. Some of these animals also had samples removed for heartworm and nematode testing. While we have not found any mites on these coyotes, we have found mites on four foxes. Many of the coyotes presented with more mild symptoms of mange compared to the foxes, which may be one of the reasons we were unable to find any mange mites on the coyotes submitted. To better understand the different symptoms observed and difficulties of finding mange mites on coyotes compared to red foxes and black bears, we are taking skin biopsy samples to study the different types of hypersensitivity responses and number of mites observed in different animals and different species suffering from mange.

We also collected a variety of samples including hearts, blood serum, and fecal samples from coyotes and foxes at the Mosquito Creek, Cresson Community, and Sinnemahoning Predator Hunts. We will be using these samples to survey Pennsylvania for heartworm and intestinal nematodes (worms) in Pennsylvania’s canid population. It is important to understand the parasite burden in our wildlife for several reasons. As many of you are aware, these parasites can cause a decline in animal health and body composition- potentially affecting fur quality and obviously affecting animal welfare. This is also important in terms of surveillance of these diseases for other wildlife and for domestic animals. While heartworm can be prevented in domestic dogs (and a reminder to keep your furry friends’ heartworm vaccinations up to date!), it cannot be prevented in wildlife and consequently wildlife serve an important role in disease surveillance.

With the help and support of trappers and hunters in Pennsylvania, we were able to collect samples from a total of 27 coyotes and 14 foxes. These samples are imperative to wildlife disease surveillance and management. We will continue to collect samples from animals with symptoms of mange until March 2020. Please contact Hannah Greenberg if you capture a canid with mange at hsg14@psu.edu or 717-226-7464. Stay tuned as we continue to collect samples and look for answers to these and many more questions on the range of mange in Pennsylvania’s wildlife!

Thank you to all who donated your time and animals to this valuable research!