Constant scratching, bumpy skin and tufts of lost fur.

Those are just some of the signs an animal has scabies, a severe and potentially fatal skin disease caused by tiny mites (Sarcoptes scabiei) that burrow into skin.

In humans, scabies most commonly presents as an itchy skin rash. Just this month, an outbreak of a highly infectious form of scabies shut down an entire hospital ward in the United Kingdom.

When this disease affects animals, it is called sarcoptic mange. Mange mites can infest 148 mammal species, including Australia’s much-loved bare-nosed wombat (Vombatus ursinus).

Early detection is key to treating affected animals. However, our new research reveals current diagnosis and treatment methods are not always up to scratch.

A debilitating disease

Sarcoptes scabiei mites infest animals by digging through layers of skin and creating a burrow, where they lay eggs and leave waste.

This triggers the skin’s immune system, causing skin to become red and itchy. It can also lead to rashes and flaky cracked skin, often referred to as crusted scabies.

In animals, mange spreads through direct contact, such as when animals socialise, mate or even fight. Mites may also move between animals that share burrows, dens or nests.

Animals with mange often scratch until their skin cracks, leaving them more exposed to bacterial infections. At that point, crusts can form around their ears and eyes that make it harder for them........

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