NACA Animal Control Officers Practice Test

Malassezia dermatitis is a specific type of skin condition that occurs when there is an overgrowth of yeast, particularly from the Malassezia genus. This yeast is normally present on the skin as part of the natural flora; however, certain factors such as allergies, hormonal imbalances, or a compromised immune system can lead to its overproliferation. This results in inflammation and various symptoms such as itching, redness, and hair loss in affected animals.

The other types of dermatitis listed—scabies, cheyletiellosis, and demodicosis—are all caused by parasitic infestations. Scabies is caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite, cheyletiellosis is caused by the Cheyletiella mite, and demodicosis is due to the Demodex mite. While each of these conditions leads to dermatitis, they do not arise from abnormal growth of yeast like Malassezia dermatitis does. This distinction underscores why the correct answer is indeed related to yeast growth, making Malassezia dermatitis the appropriate choice.