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[[Image:Mite.jpg|300px|thumb|right|© RVC]]

[[Image:Mite.jpg|300px|thumb|right|© RVC]]

==Introduction==

==Introduction==

The snake mite (''Ophionyssus natricis'') is a common and significant ectoparasite of captive snakes. The feeding of the mites causes irritation and clinical disease. They are suspected of being a mechanical vector for [[Ophidian Paramyxovirus|ophidian paramyxovirus]] and [[Inclusion Body Disease|inclusion body disease]]. Snake mites will also feed on other animals including humans but may not complete their [[Snake Mite Life Cycle|life cycle]] when infecting alternative hosts.

The snake mite (''Ophionyssus natricis'') is a common and significant ectoparasite of captive snakes. The feeding of the mites causes irritation and clinical disease. They are suspected of being a mechanical vector for [[Ophidian Paramyxovirus|ophidian paramyxovirus]] and [[Inclusion Body Disease|inclusion body disease]]. Snake mites will also feed on other animals including humans but may not complete their [[Snake Mite Life Cycle|life cycle]] when infecting alternative hosts. They require a blood meal before they are able to reproduce.

==Examination==

==Examination==

The owner may note black parasites in the snake's water bowl, a white powder on the skin (the mite moulds and faeces) and long periods of soaking.  Visual inspection of the [[Snake Skin|skin]] may reveal mites (the engorged female is the most obvious stage - see [[Snake Mite Life Cycle]]). The most common sites for mites are the gular and periocular regions, labial pits and commissures of the mouth. On the body, the ventrolateral aspect (scale rows one and two) is often colonised.  Skin lesions range from very mild to severe. Mite feeding is irritating to the host and causes oedema and erythema. Clinical signs include [[Snake Dysecdysis|dysecdysis]] often with retained spectacles, anorexia, weight loss and lethargy. Very heavy infestations may result in anaemia, dehydration and death.  

The owner may note black parasites in the snake's water bowl, a white powder on the skin (the mite moulds and faeces) and long periods of soaking.  Visual inspection of the [[Snake Skin|skin]] may reveal mites (the engorged female is the most obvious stage - see [[Snake Mite Life Cycle]]). The most common sites for mites are the gular and periocular regions, labial pits and commissures of the mouth. On the body, the ventrolateral aspect (scale rows one and two) is often colonised.  Skin lesions range from very mild to severe. Mite feeding is irritating to the host and causes oedema and erythema. Clinical signs include [[Snake Dysecdysis|dysecdysis]] often with retained spectacles, anorexia, weight loss and lethargy. Very heavy infestations may result in anaemia, dehydration and death.  

==Diagnosis==

==Diagnosis==

Diagnosis is suspected from [[Lizard and Snake Taking a History|history]] and [[Snake Physical Examination|physical examination]]. Microscopy of the mite is the definitive diagnosis. [[Lizard and Snake Specimen Collection and Evaluation|Biopsy]] and histopathology of skin lesions may be performed.

Diagnosis is suspected from [[Lizard and Snake Taking a History|history]] and [[Snake Physical Examination|physical examination]]. Microscopy of the mite is the definitive diagnosis. [[Lizard and Snake Specimen Collection and Evaluation|Biopsy]] and histopathology of skin lesions may be performed.

==Prevention==

==Prevention==

Acariasis is usually associated with poor hygiene or lack of [[Lizard and Snake Quarantine|quarantine]] for recent imports. Unfed mites can survive for prolonged periods of time under favourable environmental conditions so attention to [[Lizard and Snake Day to Day Practice|hygiene]] is importance. Regular cleaning, preferably steam cleaning, of the environment is a must. New reptiles should be [[Lizard and Snake Quarantine|quarantined]] and prophylactic treatments carried out.  Prevention includes monitoring snake behaviour, close examination of the bottom and the water surface of water bowls. Also owners should check their own hands after [[Snake Handling and Restraint|handling the snake]].  Species that require humid surroundings (e.g., many tropical boids) are at high risk of mite infestation.

Acariasis is usually associated with poor hygiene or lack of [[Lizard and Snake Quarantine|quarantine]] for recent imports. Unfed mites can survive for prolonged periods of time under favourable environmental conditions so attention to [[Lizard and Snake Day to Day Practice|hygiene]] is importance. Regular cleaning, preferably steam cleaning, of the environment is a must. New reptiles should be [[Lizard and Snake Quarantine|quarantined]] and prophylactic treatments carried out.  Prevention includes monitoring snake behaviour, close examination of the bottom and the water surface of water bowls. Also owners should check their own hands after [[Snake Handling and Restraint|handling the snake]].  Species that require humid surroundings (e.g., many tropical boids) are at high risk of mite infestation.

==Therapy of snake mites==

==Therapy of snake mites==

Treatment must be directed at the environment as well as the host and protocols should continue for at least six weeks.  Environmental treatment must include the cage and all areas and objects within the room. All crevices and corners need to be treated as snake mites prefer darkness. Discard any cage objects that cannot be thoroughly cleaned. The substrate should be replaced twice a week during the parasitic treatment. Sprays can be used in the environment and on the animal.  

Treatment must be directed at the environment as well as the host and protocols should continue for at least six weeks.  Environmental treatment must include the cage and all areas and objects within the room. All crevices and corners need to be treated as snake mites prefer darkness. Discard any cage objects that cannot be thoroughly cleaned. The substrate should be replaced twice a week during the parasitic treatment. Sprays can be used in the environment and on the animal.  

*'''Water''' - Steam cleaning of the environment is extremely useful since all stages of mites are susceptible to both drowning and high temperatures.  Infested snakes find some relief by soaking themselves. Water can therefore be used as a non-toxic adjunct treatment. Affected snakes, especially those that are severely compromised, can benefit from daily soaks of at least one hour.  

*'''Water''' - Steam cleaning of the environment is extremely useful since all stages of mites are susceptible to both drowning and high temperatures.  Infested snakes find some relief by soaking themselves. Water can therefore be used as a non-toxic adjunct treatment. Affected snakes, especially those that are severely compromised, can benefit from daily soaks of at least one hour.  

*'''Insect growth regulators''' - Lufenuron inhibits chitin synthesis and appears to be very safe and effective. For long-term treatment in most situations lufenuron is the treatment of choice.

*'''Insect growth regulators''' - Lufenuron inhibits chitin synthesis and appears to be very safe and effective. For long-term treatment in most situations lufenuron is the treatment of choice.

==Literature Search==

==Literature Search==

[[File:CABI logo.jpg|left|90px]]

[[File:CABI logo.jpg|left|90px]]

[http://www.cabi.org/cabdirect/FullTextPDF/2009/20093118403.pdf ''' Reptile parasitology: what is that and how do I treat that?''' Wright, K.; The North American Veterinary Conference, Gainesville, USA, Small animal and exotics. Proceedings of the North American Veterinary Conference, Orlando, Florida, USA, 17-21 January, 2009, 2009, pp 1817-1821 - '''Full Text Article''']

[http://www.cabi.org/cabdirect/FullTextPDF/2009/20093118403.pdf ''' Reptile parasitology: what is that and how do I treat that?''' Wright, K.; The North American Veterinary Conference, Gainesville, USA, Small animal and exotics. Proceedings of the North American Veterinary Conference, Orlando, Florida, USA, 17-21 January, 2009, 2009, pp 1817-1821 - '''Full Text Article''']

[[Category:Snake Skin Diseases]]

[[Category:Snake Skin Diseases]]