| Parasites of the Integumentary System |  |
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Scaly Face (Leg) Mite: |
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Cnemidocoptes
pilae
is common in budgerigars and rare in all other psittacines. In budgerigars, white, porous, proliferative encrustations involving the corners of the mouth, cere, beak, and occasionally the periorbital area or the legs are typical. Even after successful treatment, beak deformity may persist. Passerines can also be parasitized but have different clinical signs. In passerine birds (particularly the canary and the European goldfinch), crusts form on the legs and surfaces of
the digits (“tassel foot”). Immunocompromise plays a role in the expression of these mites in both psittacines and passerines; individuals that are immunocompetent are generally not affected. |
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The mites can be recovered from facial scrapings of budgerigars, although the clinical appearance is generally pathognomonic. In passerines affected with
Cnemidocoptes
, skin scrapings of the legs often result in hemorrhage and are generally not recommended. Ivermectin at 200-400 µg/kg, PO or by injection, is generally effective. The treatment is usually repeated in 2 wk. |
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Feather Mites: |
| Psittacines are seldom affected by any type of feather mite, although owners commonly believe the opposite. Occasionally, infestation with the red mite (
Dermanyssus
gallinae
) may be found in outdoor aviaries, especially in nest boxes. A causative relationship between mites and feather picking is often assumed by owners of feather-picking birds, although this is rarely the case. Behavioral and/or systemic factors are more often related to feather loss (see
Feather Destructive Behavior). Signs of feather mite infestation include restlessness (especially at night), anemia, and death, most notably in young chicks confined to the nest box. Diagnosis is by visual inspection and microscopic examination if needed for confirmation. Covering the cage at night with a white sheet and examining the underside of the cover for mites the following morning aids in mite collection. |
| Individual birds may be treated with pyrethrin sprays, 5% carbaryl powder, or ivermectin. Nest box treatment includes mixing 5% carbaryl powder into the nest box substrate. Cages should be cleaned thoroughly, and wooden nest boxes may need to be discarded and replaced. |
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