Dermanyssus gallinae

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  • Red mite of poultry
  • Spends most of time off the host
    • Adults and nymphs visit poultry at night to feed
  • Life cycle takes 1 week
  • Adults can survive several months without feeding so reservoirs can build up


Appearance

  • Spider like mite with long legs
  • White or grey
    • Becomes red when engorged with blood after feeding
  • Few hairs on body
  • Hooks on legs


Pathogenesis

  • Blood sucking mite
  • Lesions usually found on the breast and legs
  • Irritation, restlessness, decrease in egg production
  • Anaemia can result if mites are present in large numbers
  • Newly hatched chicks can rapidly die if infested


Treatment

  • Acaricide
  • Environmental treatment
  • Remove wild bird nests