Dermanyssus gallinae

• 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