“Mange Outbreak? Campus Dogs at RTC Struggle With Skin Disease”
Thimphu, September 2025 – Several stray dogs at Royal Thimphu College (RTC) have been found suffering from mange disease, sparking concern among students and staff on campus this September. The infection, which causes hair loss, scabs, and severe itching, has made the dogs visibly weak and in distress.
Students interviewed said they feel compassion for the animals but are unsure how to help. “We feel so sorry for the dogs and want to pet them or even let them into our hostel rooms, but we are scared we might get infected,” said one student. The presence of sick dogs has become a sensitive issue as many students have grown attached to them.
Health experts explain that mange is caused by tiny mites that burrow into the skin of animals. While the disease is not usually life-threatening to humans, direct contact with infected dogs can cause skin irritation, itching, or temporary rashes. Proper hygiene and avoiding prolonged skin-to-skin contact are recommended until the dogs are treated.
For now, students are urged to be cautious, show kindness from a safe distance, and spread awareness about the importance of animal health and welfare on campus.
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