Open Space Advisory Board Agenda and Packet 2014 07 09

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coyote territories (Riley, 2012). Not all coyotes observed alone are nomads as some may prefer to hunt individually. Disease Concerns The creation of more hiking trails, greenbelts, and open space areas along the Front Range has increased the probability of human interactions with wildlife such as the coyote (Dunbar, 2007). This increase in coyote sightings may enhance disease concerns and fears of potential threats to pet and human safety by residents. Despite the potential threat to the health and safety of humans and pets, in less than 8% of coyote- attack cases, disease was determined to be the cause (Riley, 2010). Though extremely rare, infections can spread from coyotes to humans and pets. These diseases include mange, rabies, and canine distemper (Arizona Game and Fish Department). Records indicate that human and pet mortalities from these diseases are relatively low with few health issues documented (Gehrt and Riley, 2010). There are two different forms of mange that can be transmitted from infected coyotes. One type of mange is called Cheyletiella mange. This type of mange can cause the skin to be very itchy with mites noticeable as little bugs in the animal's fur (McCleod). Cheyletiella mange can be spread from direct contact with coyotes or from areas where an infected coyote has been laying and can easily be treated with insecticide treatments (McLeod). Another type of mange is called Sarcoptic mange which is the most noticeable form of mange and is recognizable by the appearance of sores on the skin, loss of fur, excessive itchiness, and an emaciated appearance (Pence and Ueckermann, 2002). Sarcoptic mange is contagious through direct skin contact and can infect dogs that have been resting in areas where an infected coyote has been. Treatment for Sarcoptic mange requires a specialized product available at the veterinarian's office. Both types of mange are highly contagious to dogs and cats and are caused by their own species of mites that burrow into the skin. Mange can occasionally spread from infected dogs and cats to humans. Scabies is the human form of mange. Rabies is a virus that is characterized by foaming at the mouth, sharp pain, aggressive or irregular behavior, and lethargic or paralyzed behavior. Rabies is generally transmitted to dogs and humans from a bite of an infected animal. Rabies vaccinations and animal control programs have greatly reduced cases of rabies in pets and human cases of rabies are extremely rare (Humane Society, 2013). Anyone who has been bitten by a coyote should immediately go to the hospital for treatment to prevent the disease from spreading to the central nervous system. It is recommended that all dogs be currently vaccinated for rabies to prevent possible infection. Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) can affect wild and domestic carnivores (Colorado Parks and Wildlife). CDV can be transmitted through air molecules or by contact with body secretions or food and water that has been tainted by an infected animal. Symptoms of distemper may include coughing, wheezing, fever, muscle spasms, runny nose, eye discharge, and aggression (Colorado Parks and Wildlife). Veterinary drugs can significantly reduce the chance for infection of CVD however there is no specific treatment for this virus (Pet MD). Coyote Management Plan 5 12