Cases of several mysterious creatures appearing in various states in the United States, Europe, and other parts of the world were referred to, among other things, as the "dog chupacabra." The claim that it was a chupacabra filled some people with fear. This claim became quite popular after people increasingly encountered sick foxes, dogs, and coyotes. Many were unaware that these "beasts" not only posed no threat to humans but were usually animals native to these areas, either possessing a mutated allele that causes hairlessness (known as Sampson's disease) or infested with a parasitic mite called scabies, which causes hair loss, primarily on the tail, wounds, scabs and bleeding, emaciation, infection, or other phenomena contributing to their poor appearance.
The majority of cases (approximately 70%) involved foxes infected with mange. Red foxes are easily susceptible to this parasite, as are coyotes and other canids of the Canis genus, such as wolves and jackals. However, it is certain that not all species of the Canidae family are susceptible to these parasites (one example is the primitive gray fox, which, however, suffers from other parasitic diseases that cause bodily wounds). Of course, all are dependent on parasitism, but not all are susceptible to mange. However, so far, this phenomenon is most common in red foxes and coyotes. And why is this?
The answer is quite simple: both the phenomenon of mutation and frequent diseases can have a simple cause. Such a cause could be, for example, the overpopulation of numerous species, such as foxes. The lack of natural selection and extensive access to prey, both wild and domestic, the vast range of habitats, and natural dynamic cycles combined with a highly adaptable nature, all contribute to increased disease incidence. Although at first glance it seems unimaginable, it is a prime example of synanthropization and cooperation in the human environment.
The mutation phenomenon can result from both the negative impact of chemical or physical factors near human settlements, as well as an increase in the natural rate of recessive alleles and, consequently, affected, hairless individuals. Has anyone seen a corsac fox with mange? At least, I haven't heard of such an example. This doesn't mean it doesn't exist, but the number of corsac foxes is no more than 5% of the number of red foxes on Earth, both in terms of population distribution across the globe and the density and number of individuals within a given area, say, 100 km². Assuming the presence of hairless animals, this phenomenon is observed only in the fox (Vulpes vulpes), the coyote (Canis latrans), and the domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris).
Let's now focus on the disease's impact on individual animals and entire populations. Scabies is caused by the parasitic sarcoptic mange mite (Sarcoptes scabiei), which also infects other canids, including domestic dogs and many other mammals, including humans. The animal burrows into the skin, creating unsightly wounds, scabs, hair loss, bleeding, erythematous-exudative papules, secondary bacterial and fungal infections, thinning hair, wrinkling and thickening of the skin, emaciation, and death. Scabies worsens in a warm room. Several of these arachnids can be found in 1 cm² of skin. Weight loss and wasting are the result of their attack and are the most dangerous, often fatal, consequences of the disease. Animals generally live for about 6 months. Infected foxes suffer greatly, often biting their tails, limbs, and the rest of the infected body.
The factors that influence fox population disease in a given area are very complex. Scientists have not yet been able to unravel the mechanisms behind the epidemic of animal mange. For now, it is only assumed that treatment helps both individual foxes and entire populations. A fox with mange often behaves abnormally, and many believe such an animal is doomed. The animal is unable to lead a normal life, is dehydrated, constantly biting, and becomes downright aggressive towards its surroundings.
There is much controversy surrounding the treatment and origin of scabies, but scientists are certain that urban foxes are more susceptible to the negative effects of scabies. Rural foxes typically feed on live prey, such as wild rabbits (essential vitamins and minerals derived from the liver and heart), field mice, and young deer. Therefore, their prey includes not only live prey rich in vitamins (primarily vitamin A, responsible for proper skin function), but also prey without venom. Urban foxes, on the other hand, are much more susceptible to scabies because their diet is not only lacking vitamins but also containing an excess of toxic compounds. Urban foxes feed primarily on garbage and leftovers from human homes found on the streets, and as a result, they are often exposed to scabies. Scabies not only leads to wasting but also to a weakened body, leading to bacterial infections, a weaker resistance to toxins, and even viruses. Sick animals, such as foxes or coyotes, can infect other animals or even humans. Fortunately, there are many treatments for these microscopic parasites, and the disease can be easily eradicated. (Source: Canine Mange)
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