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

Also known as: '''''Ophionyssus natricis infestation'''''

 

==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.

==Examination==

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 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.  

 

==Clinical Signs==

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 Mites]]). 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]]. Microscopical identification of the mite is the definitive diagnosis. [[Lizard and Snake Specimen Collection and Evaluation|Biopsy]] and histopathology of skin lesions may be performed.

==Therapy==

 

Acariasis is highly contagious and can be very difficult to eliminate. There are various treatments but all must treat the environment as well as the host. Insecticides that have been advised include pyrethrins and pyrethroids, organophosphates and ivermectin. More recent treatments include the use of chitin disregulators such as lufenuron.  The treatments are discussed in detail below.

==Treatment==

Acariasis is highly contagious and can be very difficult to eliminate. There are various treatments but all must treat the environment as well as the host. Insecticides that have been advised include pyrethrins and pyrethroids, organophosphates and ivermectin. More recent treatments include the use of chitin disregulators such as lufenuron.  

 

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.  

*'''Desiccants''' - Mites are very susceptible to desiccation but their use may not help in their eradication. Mites travel up cage walls rather than staying in the substrate so they may not come into contact with the desiccant. Silica gel desiccants may detrimentally affect smaller snakes and could be carcinogenic in humans.

*'''Desiccants''' - Mites are very susceptible to desiccation but their use may not help in their eradication. Mites travel up cage walls rather than staying in the substrate so they may not come into contact with the desiccant. Silica gel desiccants may detrimentally affect smaller snakes and could be carcinogenic in humans.

*'''Insecticides'''

*'''Insecticides'''

**Organophosphates (OPs), including trichlorphon and dichlorvos, have been recommended for treating snake mite infestation. However, due to the possible toxicity for both humans and reptiles the use of these products should be discouraged.  Pyrethrins and pyrethroids have been recommended as treatments for snake mites.  

**Organophosphates (OPs), including trichlorphon and dichlorvos, have been recommended for treating snake mite infestation. However, due to the possible toxicity for both humans and reptiles the use of these products should be discouraged.  

**'''Pyrethrins''' and '''pyrethroids''' have been used on the snake as well as the environment. Permethrin is a commonly available pyrethroid and can be made into a solution for spraying at 10 day intervals.   

**'''Pyrethrins''' and '''pyrethroids''' have been used on the snake as well as the environment. Permethrin is a commonly available pyrethroid and can be made into a solution for spraying at 10 day intervals.   

**'''Ivermectin''' is an effective acaricide by oral, parenteral or topical administration.  

**'''Ivermectin''' is an effective acaricide by oral, parenteral or topical administration.  

**'''Fipronil''' is an effective topical acaricide that may last several months with one application. The environment may also be treated. It appears to be safe and effective.   

**'''Fipronil''' is an effective topical acaricide that may last several months with one application. The environment may also be treated. It appears to be safe and effective.   

*'''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.

 

 

 

|full text = [http://www.cabi.org/cabdirect/FullTextPDF/2010/20103181765.pdf '''Reptile ectoparasites - how to kill those little buggers.''' Greek, T.; The North American Veterinary Conference, Gainesville, USA, Small animal and exotics. Proceedings of the North American Veterinary Conference, Orlando, Florida, USA, 16-20 January 2010, 2010, pp 1676-1677 - '''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''']

==Literature Search==

==References==

[[Category:Snake Skin Diseases]]

[[Category:Snake Skin Diseases]]