| Sarcoptes Scabiei causes two types of mange in ferrets, which can become infected through coming into direct contact with other infected animals, such as rodents or simply by being on infected ground. |
| One type of mange causes alopecia and pruritus, an intense itching, while the other causes only foot or toe problems, foot rot. The first sign of mange is persistant scratching, even though there is no obvious cause such as fleas. Eventually the skin will become very red and sore, a symptom that is easier to notice in albino ferrets than in ones with polecat colouration. |
| As the disease progresses these sores cause baldness and the sores become even worse. A parasiticidal wash (eg bromocyclen) must be applied to the affected areas or injections of ivermectin administered by your veterinary surgeon, this should not be given in the first month of pregnancy as it will cause congenital defects. |
| !! Be warned !! - mange can be contracted by humans when it is known as scabies. |
