Im no scientist BLR...but these "mites" are microscopic to the best of my knowledge...i dont think you'll see them leaping from boot to dog...
I did some reading a while back & seem to remember there being a few different types...as well as that it is everywhere, however some genetic lines in dogs/(affected animals) the mite has a bad effect on the immune system of some (thats the result we see), & not on others...
Anyway...id research it a little given you take your dog out with you.
An old bloke around the corner from me has a Staffie that has skin issues--the vet has told him its a mite & that the only cure is hundreds of dollars of drugs every 3 months...the poor bloke is beside himself because he cant afford it being on a pension, he's just about in tears every time i see him because of the trauma seeing his dog in distress, but happy, & his missus wont let him put her down...
He's thinking of going to the vet & having her put to sleep & telling his wife she just got sick & died...
I find it hard to believe they dont have a cure, or something less expensive...i mean they dip sheep for pete'e sake...& i cant remember a time ever having seen or heard a farmer having had to put a dog down for mange...
Anyway...babbling on here...
The man who knows everything, doesnt really know everything...he's just stopped learning...