JUNE 20, 2018

Sarcoptic Mange Not Just Skin Deep in Wombats

Sarcoptic mange is not just a dermatologic issue for Tasmania’s bare-nosed wombat population, according to researchers at the University of Tasmania, in Australia.

In addition to the well-known signs of hair loss and skin thickening, the parasite causes extreme loss of body heat, altering its fat composition; increased metabolic rate; and detrimental behavior changes, according to Alynn Martin, MS, BS, of the university’s School of Natural Sciences.

The heat loss and metabolic rise