Which statement about sarcoptic mange is true?

Which statement about sarcoptic mange is true?

• A. It is untreatable.
• B. It causes fur loss but is treatable.
• C. It is caused by a virus.
• D. It affects birds.

Answer: (B)

Sarcoptic mange is a parasitic skin disease caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite that burrows into the skin of mammals, causing intense itching, inflammation, and hair loss. The fur loss happens because the mites irritate and damage the skin and hair follicles, leading to alopecia and crusting. Importantly, there are effective treatments available—antiparasitic medications given under veterinary guidance (often ivermectin or similar agents) can resolve the infestation with proper care and dosing. Because treatment exists and animals can recover with appropriate management, the statement that it causes fur loss but is treatable is the correct one. It is not caused by a virus, and it does not affect birds, though it can be contagious to other mammals and has zoonotic potential if humans handle an infested animal without care.

Sarcoptic mange is a parasitic skin disease caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite that burrows into the skin of mammals, causing intense itching, inflammation, and hair loss. The fur loss happens because the mites irritate and damage the skin and hair follicles, leading to alopecia and crusting. Importantly, there are effective treatments available—antiparasitic medications given under veterinary guidance (often ivermectin or similar agents) can resolve the infestation with proper care and dosing. Because treatment exists and animals can recover with appropriate management, the statement that it causes fur loss but is treatable is the correct one. It is not caused by a virus, and it does not affect birds, though it can be contagious to other mammals and has zoonotic potential if humans handle an infested animal without care.