Scabies is a mite that causes itching and can infect several species such as wolves, foxes and lynxes.
Scabies mites can survive for a shorter time in places where infected animals stay.
Even dogs can be affected.
The survival of infected wolves is greater than that of infected foxes and lynxes.
Often, mange infestations in adult wolves seem to be able to heal, while survival is considered worse for puppies.
- So far we have not seen any wolf that is currently judged to be so sick that any action is justified, says David Börjesson, in a press release on Thursday.
May be shot while hunting
During the week, the County Administrative Board received calls about how to act if you see a wolf affected by mange during regular hunting.
Section 40 c of the Hunting Ordinance states that "If free-living game is found so damaged or in such a condition that for animal welfare reasons it should be killed as soon as possible, the animal may be killed even if it is protected or if the killing takes place on someone else's land".
- It is the person who fires the shots who is himself responsible and therefore needs to be completely sure of his assessment and be able to justify his decision that the animal that was euthanized was in such bad condition that it could not survive.
If you shoot a wolf with the support of section 40 c, this must be reported to the police.
The police will send the animal to SVA who will make a final assessment, says the county board's wildlife officer David Börjesson.