Host Specificity of S. scabiei var. canis (Acari: Sarcoptidae) and the Role of Host Odor

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Abstract
Unsuccessful attempted transfers of Sarcoptes scabiei var. canis from one host species to another indicate that permanent transfer does not occur readily, even among animals that may interact closely. Permanent infestations of S. scabiei var. canis could not be established on sheep, goat, calf, or cat hosts. However, permanent infestations were established on the laboratory rabbit, and temporary infestations lasted at least 10 wk on some other atypical hosts. Temporarily infested atypical hosts could serve as temporary reservoirs of S. scabiei for natural hosts. In behavioral-choice experiments, S. scabiei var. canis responded to odors of hosts on which it could not become established. These results indicate that host odor is not a factor that determines host specificity.

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