Dermanyssus gallinae

Dermanyssus gallinae are red surface mites of poultry.

Identification

Dermanyssus gallinae are spider like mites. They are white or grey in colour and become red when engorged with blood after feeding. They have few hairs on their body and have hooks on their long 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

• 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