An Undescribed Demodex Species and Demodicosis in a Captive Koala (Phascolarctos Cinereus)
March 2000
in “
Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine
”
Studysummary This study identified a new Demodex species causing demodicosis in a zoo koala, successfully treated with daily oral ivermectin.
Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer
A 12-year-old male koala in captivity developed bilateral, noninflammatory, periocular alopecia, which was found to be caused by a previously undescribed species of Demodex mites. Skin scrapings and biopsies revealed multiple mites in the superficial keratin and hair follicles, accompanied by mild lymphocytic folliculitis. The condition, known as demodicosis, was effectively treated with daily oral ivermectin. This case was significant as it was the first confirmed instance of demodicosis in a koala, although similar mites had been reported in another koala with periocular alopecia.
