Scabies is contagious disease caused by ectoparas ites from the families Sarcoptidae , Knemidocoptidae , Psoroptidae , Demodicidae and Cheyletiellidae . According to the place of parasitism we distinguish parasites that parasitize on skin, in skin and in external auditory meatus (ear canal). The most common form of scabies that occurs in wild animals, as well as humans, is sarcoptosis caused by mite Sarcoptes scabiei. Two most common reservoirs are red fox ( Vulpes vulpes L.) and chamois ( Rupicapra rupicapra L.). Scabies is contagious, chronic disease and as such can have a significant impact on fox and chamois populations. Scabies is present all over the world and large number of infected individuals can assume character of an epidemic. It is spread by direct or indirect contact, and depending on the degree of infection, the final outcome of the disease can be fatal.