Notoedric mange in two free-ranging North American racoons (Procyon lotor) in Japan

Mange was diagnosed in two North American racoons (Procyon lotor) at Kamakura City in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. The mites were identified morphologically as Notoedres cati. Mite infestation affected the skin over the extremities and tail, and was characterized by moderate alopecia and erythematous dermatosis. Histopathologically, the affected skin showed marked epidermal hyperplasia and mites located within the parakeratotic stratum corneum. A slight dermal inflammatory response consisting principally of mononuclear cells was observed. N. cati mites were demonstrated in their tunnels using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). This is the first report of notoedric mange in racoons.