How should a tracheal mite in a budgerigar be treated? - briefly
Treat the infestation with a veterinary‑approved acaricide—such as ivermectin, selamectin, or fluralaner—administered at the dosage recommended for parrots and repeated according to the label instructions. Then isolate the bird, disinfect its cage and accessories, and monitor for symptom resolution.
How should a tracheal mite in a budgerigar be treated? - in detail
Tracheal mite infestation in budgerigars requires prompt diagnosis and a regimented therapeutic plan.
First, confirm the presence of the parasite by collecting fresh fecal samples or performing a tracheal swab. Microscopic examination should reveal motile, elongated organisms characteristic of Trichodectes spp. If visual inspection of the bird’s breathing passages shows erythema, mucus, or visible mites, treatment proceeds immediately.
Medication protocol
- Ivermectin: Administer 0.2 mg/kg orally once, repeat after 7 days.
- Moxidectin: Use 0.2 mg/kg subcutaneously, repeat after 14 days if ivermectin is contraindicated.
- Alternative: Doramectin 0.25 mg/kg intramuscularly, single dose, may be considered for birds with hepatic concerns.
Supportive care
- Provide a humidified environment to ease respiratory discomfort.
- Ensure continuous access to fresh water and a balanced seed‑fruit mix enriched with vitamins A and E.
- Monitor weight daily; supplement with a high‑calorie formula if loss exceeds 5 % of body mass.
Environmental management
- Clean cages with a 1 % bleach solution, rinse thoroughly, and dry before reuse.
- Replace all perches, toys, and feeding dishes.
- Quarantine any other birds for at least 30 days, treating them prophylactically with the same anti‑mite regimen.
Follow‑up
- Re‑examine tracheal samples 10 days after the final dose. Absence of motile mites indicates successful eradication.
- Conduct a second check at 4 weeks to rule out reinfestation.
Adhering to this regimen minimizes mortality, restores normal breathing, and prevents recurrence.