Sarcoptic Mange and Detection Dogs?
Today's post continues with the topic of sarcoptic mange - although from a different perspective.
Not only are dogs great companions, but they also help humans in a variety of ways - including conservation, tracking, and . . . sarcoptic mange!
In a 2019 article by Niedringhaus et al. titled, "A review of sarcoptic mange in North American wildlife," the authors stated: "Detector dogs have been trained to find animals with sarcoptic mange in an attempt to detect cases and control the disease in populations of Alpine chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra rupicapra) and Alpine ibex (Capra ibex) (Alasaad et al., 2012b)."
The researchers also noted that, "Camera traps have been used to monitor mange distribution in wildlife. This technique has become popular because it likely reduces the bias of clinically-ill animals being more likely to be shot or caught (Carricondo-Sanchez et al., 2017). Camera traps have been used to estimate prevalence of sarcoptic mange in coyotes (Canis latrans), feral swine, and white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus)..."
This is an important aspect of the Canids of Maine project. Images submitted by observers (whether it's from a phone, camera trap, or camera) provide valuable data about our canids here in Maine that includes body condition and health. So thank you for your contributions!
Link to article: https://www.sciencedirect.com/.../pii/S2213224419300902
