Changes

==Introduction==

==Introduction==

[[Image:Mite.jpg|300px|thumb|right|Snake mite - ''Ophionyssus natricis'' © RVC]]

[[Image:Mite.jpg|300px|thumb|right|Snake mite - ''Ophionyssus natricis'' © RVC]]

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 Mites|life cycle]] when infecting alternative hosts. They require a blood meal before they are able to reproduce.

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 Mites|life cycle]] when infecting alternative hosts. They require a blood meal before they are able to reproduce.

==Clinical Signs==

==Clinical Signs==