Mixed infestation of sarcoptic and chorioptic mange mites in Japanese serow, Capricornis crispus Temminck, 1845 in Japan, with a description of Chorioptes japonensis sp. nov. (Acari : Psoroptidia)

Abstract

Seven Japanese serows, Capricornis crispus, with clinical signs of mange were used for parasitological and histopathological examinations. Five of the seven animals examined were positive only for Chorioptes mites. On the other two animals, however, a mixed infestation with Sarcoptes scabiei and Chorioptes mites was observed. This Chorioptes mite was proposed as a new species, Chorioptes japonensis Takahashi et Nogami, sp. nov. Histopathologically, parakeratotic and hyperkeratotic crusts were observed in the epidermis, and many cross-sections of S. scabiei mites were also found in the focal thickened stratum corneum. Chorioptes mites were observed on all Japanese serows examined from 1975 to 1997. However, S. scabiei were only observed on the two animals examined in 1996 and 1997. Before then, S. scabiei were not observed.