Description and epidemiological implications of S. scabiei infection in roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) originating from chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra)

• Published in: European journal of wildlife research 2008-10, Vol.54 (4), p.757-761
• Main Authors: Menzano, A., Rambozzi, L., Molinar Min, A. R., Meneguz, P. G., Rossi, L.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animal diseases; Biomedical and Life Sciences; Capreolus capreolus; Cervidae; Cohabitation; Deer; Disease transmission; Ecology; Fish & Wildlife Biology & Management; Infections; Lesions; Life Sciences; Rupicapra rupicapra; Sarcoptes scabiei; Short Communication; Wildlife; Wildlife sanctuaries; Zoology
• ISSN: 1612-4642; 1439-0574
• DOI: 10.1007/s10344-008-0195-6

The authors describe a case of Sarcoptes scabiei transmission from a chamois ( Rupicapra rupicapra ) kid to three roe deer ( Capreolus capreolus ) fawns kept in captive cohabitation in a wildlife rehabilitation centre for approximately 4 months. Symptoms in the two male fawns started developing 1 week after skin lesions were noticed in the kid, whereas a delayed (75 days later) appearance of scabies signs was observed in the female fawn. A severe generalised form of scabies rapidly developed in a male fawn, but lesions in the other two healed after triple inoculation of ivermectin at 15 days intervals. These roe deer were monitored for specific anti- S. scabiei antibodies with an immunoblotting technique. The strongest antibody response was exhibited during the clinical phase of the infection and then rapidly declined post-treatment. Interestingly, the female fawn developed immunoglobulin G to S. scabiei proteins more than 2 months before the onset of clinical scabies. Since all captive roe deer appeared sensitive to infection with S. scabiei var. rupicaprae , the authors hypothesise that the sporadic frequency of spontaneous scabies in this Cervid host may be attributed to avoidance of direct contacts with moribund or recently dead scabietic chamois, and/or to a self-limiting (and therefore difficult to detect) course of the disease after infrequent infectious contacts and/or exposure to lower infectious doses than in the described episode.