Chicken and Reptile Mite
Dermanyssus gallinae and Ophionyssus natricis
Overview
Chicken Mite (Dermanyssus gallinae), also known as poultry red mite, red fowl mite, red poultry mite, roost mite, is a parasite that occurs worldwide and can infest both domestic and wild bird species. It has also been known to attack humans and recent evidence shows it can complete its life cycle on humans as well. Chicken Mite mainly affects laying hens.
Snake Mites (Ophionyssus natricis) are parasitic mites commonly found on snakes, but also occurring on captive lizards, turtles, crocodiles and other reptiles.
Why you need to control Chicken and Reptile Mite
Chicken Mite is generally found around the beak, ears, back, legs and breasts of birds. The mite bites cause itching and inflammation of the skin. Infested birds scratch and injure themselves. Severe blood loss can cause anaemia and even death. Decreased egg laying in poultry houses can occur and infected birds become more susceptible to other diseases.
Snake Mite feeds by puncturing through the snake’s skin. This can provide a point of entry where diseases such as Aeromonas spp. and Inclusion Body Disease (IBD) can be transmitted. Snake Mites have been shown to act as vectors for these diseases.
Clinical signs of mite feeding include anorexia, depression, frequent rubbing against cage furniture, increased sloughing, and prolonged soaking in the water bowl. Mites may be seen crawling on the skin of the snake. With heavy infections, anaemia can occur.
Beneficial predators to control Chicken and Reptile Mite among crops
You can use Hypoaspis aculeifer (Killer mites) to control both chicken mites and snake mites.
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