Ornithonyssus
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| Also known as: | Northern mite Northern feather mite |
The Ornithonyssus mite is closely related to the Dermanyssus mite. They are surface mites that occur in caged birds and poultry.
Identification
The mites are small and very motile. They have a few hairs present and are semi-transparent in colour until they have a blood meal. They are oval in shape and have eight legs, except the larvae which have 6 legs.
Life cycle
The mite spends its entire life cycle on the host.
Pathogenesis
The mite causes feathers to become matted and severe scabbing can develop. Scabs are particularly seen around the vent. The presence of the mite decreases egg production. Grey or black discolouration of feathers is seen when large numbers of mites are present.
References
Owen JP, Delany ME, Cardona CJ, Bickford AA, Mullens BA (February 2009). "Host inflammatory response governs fitness in an avian ectoparasite, the northern fowl mite (Ornithonyssus sylviarum)". Int. J. Parasitol