Wis. Six Wisconsin wolves have been discovered dead this winter due to sarcoptic mange infections or mange-related causes, bringing the total number of dead wolves recovered this winter to nine, state wildlife officials report. A comprehensive evaluation of the state's wolf population is currently underway, but actual numbers will not be known until April. Some fluctuations in numbers due to disease or other environmental factors is a natural part of any wildlife population. Mange is an infectious disease that causes hair loss, and can cause death in affected mammals.
Sarcoptic mange is a highly contagious disease caused by very small external parasites called mites.
These mites burrow into hair follicles and cause an allergic skin response and irritation, which can result in hair loss. As the skin is damaged from mechanical activity of the mite and hair falls out, skin becomes broken and secondary bacterial infections occur. These bacterial infections lead to weepy or crusted skin. Death usually occurs as a result of exposure to extreme cold temperatures. Mites are spread when infected canids have direct physical contact with others.