Introduction
Birds are occasionally infected
with a mite called Knemidicoptes (if you want to make an effort at
pronouncing this word the K is silent). We usually encounter this
problem in parakeets (Budgies) at our hospital. This parasite causes
extensive crusting and hair loss, fortunately it is readily
treatable.
Cause
Scaley face disease is caused by a
mite called Knemidicoptes that is spread from bird to bird by
contact. Some birds acquire this parasite while young and do not
develop symptoms until they are young adults.
Diagnosis
This disease is diagnosed by the character of the
lesions and the fact that it has occurred in a Budgie. Microscopic
examination by a skin
scraping will reveal the mite.
This bird
has the telltale lesions of scaley face mites. There is
crusting on the neck and face, and a honeycombed appearance
to the beak. This is a severe case. In addition, this bird
has a growth on its beak.
Lesions
also occur in other areas, most noticeably in the vent and
on the feet.
Treatment
Years ago the only treatment we
had was an ointment that was used to treat pubic lice in people. It
was messy and had to be applied daily, but it usually worked. Now we
use the drug Ivermectin, given every week or two until the problem is
gone, usually within 3-4 weeks.
This
is the same bird as above 10 days after its first Ivermectin
treatment. We removed the growth on its head a few days
before this.
Here
he is 2 weeks after his second treatment. He is almost
completely healed and feeling a million times better. Hard
to believe its the same bird.
He was
brought into our clinic and dropped off as part of our
wildlife
program since he was a
stray and was found by one of our clients. He has a great
personality, and once we got him looking like this we had no problem
finding him a home (with a girlfriend).
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