How should ticks be treated in budgerigars? - briefly
Consult a qualified avian veterinarian for proper acaricide selection (e.g., ivermectin, selamectin, or a licensed topical spray) and have all visible ticks manually removed, then maintain strict cage hygiene and regular health monitoring.
How should ticks be treated in budgerigars? - in detail
Ticks on budgerigars require prompt identification, removal, and systemic treatment to prevent anemia, infection, and secondary complications. Diagnosis begins with visual inspection of the skin, feather bases, and vent area for engorged or attached arthropods. Confirm the species, as some acaricides are species‑specific.
Immediate actions:
- Gently detach each tick with fine‑point tweezers, pulling parallel to the skin to avoid mouthpart rupture.
- Clean the bite site with sterile saline to reduce bacterial contamination.
Pharmacologic options:
- Topical acaricides: Apply a veterinarian‑approved formulation containing selamectin or ivermectin at the label‑recommended dose (typically 0.2 mg/kg body weight). Ensure thorough coverage of the featherless skin around the bite.
- Systemic medication: Administer oral ivermectin at 0.2 mg/kg once daily for three consecutive days, or milbemycin oxime at 0.5 mg/kg on a similar schedule, following veterinary guidance.
- Injectable therapy: Use subcutaneous ivermectin (0.2 mg/kg) if oral administration is impractical, observing for adverse reactions.
Supportive measures:
- Provide iron‑rich diet (e.g., fortified seed mix, leafy greens) to counteract blood loss.
- Maintain a clean cage environment; replace perches and trim substrate weekly to eliminate residual eggs.
- Treat all birds in the same aviary, as asymptomatic carriers can sustain infestation.
Monitoring:
- Re‑examine the bird daily for residual ticks or new attachment sites.
- Conduct a complete blood count after treatment to assess hematocrit and detect lingering anemia.
- Schedule a follow‑up veterinary visit within two weeks to confirm eradication and adjust therapy if needed.
Prevention:
- Implement routine acaricide prophylaxis during warm months, rotating active ingredients to avoid resistance.
- Quarantine new birds for at least 30 days and perform thorough ectoparasite screening before introduction to the flock.