Changes

[[Image:Clinical Case 2 01.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Chicken with Scaly Leg (Courtesy of C. Antonczyk)]]

[[Image:Clinical Case 2 01.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Chicken with Scaly Leg (Courtesy of C. Antonczyk)]]

Knemidocoptes are [[Burrowing Mites|burrowing mites]] of avian species. There are a number of important species infecting both production birds and pet animals.

Knemidocoptes are [[Burrowing Mites|burrowing mites]] of avian species. There are a number of important species infecting both production birds and pet animals.

===Identification===

===Identification===

''Knemidocoptes'' are small round mites found in different locations on avian species dependant on the species of mite present. They have short legs similarly to most other species of burrowing mites. They may look similar to ''Sarcoptes spp.'' however they lack pegs and have dorsal striations instead. The presence of a terminal anus can also be used as a distinguishing feature.

''Knemidocoptes'' are small round mites found in different locations on avian species dependant on the species of mite present. They have short legs similarly to most other species of burrowing mites. They may look similar to ''Sarcoptes spp.'' however they lack pegs and have dorsal striations instead. The mites breath through their cuticles and therefore are astigmata. The presence of a terminal anus can also be used as a distinguishing feature.

===Detection===

===Detection===

===Life Cycle===

===Life Cycle===

The entire life cycle takes place on a single host and takes between 14 and 21 days to complete. The mite is spread by close contact with an infected animal, however it can survive for a limited time off the host.  

The entire life cycle takes place on a single host and takes between 14 and 21 days to complete. The mite is spread by close contact with an infected animal, however it can survive for a limited time off the host. <br/>

'''Eggs'''

'''Eggs'''

Laid into the stratum corneum by the burrowing female.

Laid into the stratum corneum by the burrowing female.<br/>

'''Larvae'''

'''Larvae'''

Burrow into the skin and go through two nymphal stages before reaching maturity

Burrow into the skin and go through two nymphal stages before reaching maturity