Otitis externa associated with Otodectes cynotis and Malassezia sp. co-infection in a free- ranging maned wolf, Chrysocyon brachyurus (Illiger, 1815), from southeastern Brazil

Abstract Parasitic diseases are a significant threat to the conservation of wild carnivores, with Sarcoptiformes mites representing important etiological agents. This report describes one case of mite infestation in a maned wolf, Chrysocyon brachyurus (Illiger, 1815), from São Paulo State, Brazil. The animal, found dead in 2023 near the Dois Córregos municipality, presented with otitis externa associated with Otodectes cynotis and Malassezia sp. At necropsy, both external ear canals contained abundant brown ceruminous exudate with marked crust formation and rancid odor. Mites obtained from ear scrapings were slide-mounted and morphologically identified as O. cynotis , and cytology of the auricular exudate revealed abundant yeast cells compatible with Malassezia sp. These findings expand the knowledge of O. cynotis infestation in free-ranging maned wolves and emphasize the importance of surveillance for parasitic otitis and secondary opportunistic infections in wild carnivores. Otodectic infestation should be considered a potential cause of morbidity in free-ranging maned wolves, particularly due to its debilitating nature (intense pruritus) and the associated risk of secondary infections.