Feather and skin mites in pigeons
Other names: Mange، Mites
Symptoms
- Feather erosion, broken feathers
- Scales on the legs (Knemidocoptes)
How it spreads
Contact.
Diagnosis
Microscopic examination of feathers/scrapings.
Treatment
Topical ivermectin/moxidectin under the veterinarian's supervision. [Update 3] Harlin & Wade 2009: the depluming feather mite (Knemidokoptes laevis) is rare in pigeons; the scaly leg mite K. mutans causes skin damage. Ivermectin is effective against parasites that feed on tissue.
Prevention
Check new birds.
Treatment and doses are decided by an avian vet after an exam; Zajel does not publish doses.