Ectoparasites and skin lesions in wild-caught spotted-tailed quoll (Dasyurus maculatus) (Marsupialia: Dasyuridae)

Ectoparasites were collected from 32 wild spotted-tailed quolls (Dasyurus maculatus) trapped in the Tuggolo State Forest, New South Wales, Australia, during February and March 2005. Species collected included 2 ixodid ticks, 2 sarcoptiform mites, and 5 fleas from the families Pygiopsyllidae and Stephanocircidae. The presence of a mange-like skin condition was observed in several of the animals during trapping, evidenced by pruritic dermatitis and alopecia on the limbs, tail, rump, and face. A biopsy taken of the muzzle region of a male quoll displaying mange-like features and subsequent histological examination revealed the presence of marked acanthosis, hyperkeratosis, and eosinophilic infiltration. Uropsylla tasmanica larvae were observed encapsulated by collagenous fibrous tissue. Dasyurochirus nr. major mites encapsulated in eggs were also observed attached to hair on the skin surface of the biopsy material. The histological evidence supports the proposition that the mange-like condition is the combined result of multiple ectoparasite infestations and environmental stressors.