Sarcoptic mange continues to plague the wild goat

Sarcoptic mange, a parasitic disease caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite, has had a significant impact on ibex populations in various regions. This microscopic mite burrows into the animal's skin, causing intense itching, loss of fur and serious secondary infections. Since its appearance in certain areas, such as the province of Teruel in 2017, the disease has caused a notable reduction in affected populations, with the number of ibex falling by 90% in some places such as the Matarraña or Maestrazgo regions. Although sarcoptic mange is not completely eradicated and remains endemic, the affected areas experience sporadic outbreaks that, over time, become less virulent but are still a problem that the administrations do not provide a solution to.

The importance of proper population management

As it is a density-dependent disease, which is transmitted more quickly when there is a higher density of animals as the rate of contact increases, correct management of populations , together with many other measures, is vital to protect a species that was on the brink of extinction and that recovered thanks to its classification as a game species.

Beyond its own environmental value and its role as an ecosystem engineer, the mountain goat is a fundamental resource in many municipalities in Spain, especially in rural areas with few means of subsistence, where its hunting generates employment and wealth for hospitality and services, as well as numerous jobs, and also represents an important source of income for municipal coffers that translate into improvements for these towns.

New cases spread throughout Castellón

Since November, cases in Alto Mijares have been increasing. The first case was shot down in July in the municipality of Argelita, but more than forty infected specimens have been hunted since then.

The Ministry, with the intention of finding solutions that help control the disease and its, today, unstoppable expansion, has signed an agreement with the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of CEU Cardenal Herrera --to which they have allocated 25,000 euros--, to undertake research that will lead to finding an effective treatment for wildlife.

According to the Periódico Mediterráneo, the main problem with this study is the same as that faced by hunters: insufficient resources . Staff are needed to catch the animals and carry out the necessary tests, sources consulted explain. Hunters are pointing in the same direction, " the Generalitat is helping us, but we need more people , more rangers with authorisation to shoot and be able to shoot more sick goats," says Andreu. Because the only option, until there is an alternative medicine, is to reduce animal density , which is what encourages contagion and its rapid transmission.