Which organism is primarily associated with infestations on dogs, cats and rabbits?

Which organism is primarily associated with infestations on dogs, cats and rabbits?

• A. Cheyletiella mites
• B. Otodectes cynotis
• C. Sarcoptes scabiei
• D. Demodex canis

Answer: (A)

Cheyletiella mites are known for causing infestations across multiple small animal pets, especially dogs, cats, and rabbits. They live on the skin surface and cause dermatitis with flaky, dandruff-like scales that may be seen moving on the fur—hence the common name “walking dandruff.” Their ability to spread readily between these species and even to humans makes them the organism most characteristically associated with all three hosts. Other mites tend to have more limited host ranges or siting. For example, Otodectes cynotis mainly lives in the ear canals of dogs and cats and is not typically described as a parasite of rabbits. Sarcoptes scabiei causes mange in various hosts but is not the hallmark multi-species trio here, and Demodex canis is primarily a canine mite.

Cheyletiella mites are known for causing infestations across multiple small animal pets, especially dogs, cats, and rabbits. They live on the skin surface and cause dermatitis with flaky, dandruff-like scales that may be seen moving on the fur—hence the common name “walking dandruff.” Their ability to spread readily between these species and even to humans makes them the organism most characteristically associated with all three hosts.

Other mites tend to have more limited host ranges or siting. For example, Otodectes cynotis mainly lives in the ear canals of dogs and cats and is not typically described as a parasite of rabbits. Sarcoptes scabiei causes mange in various hosts but is not the hallmark multi-species trio here, and Demodex canis is primarily a canine mite.