How to treat scabies mite in a parrot?

How to treat scabies mite in a parrot? - briefly

Use a veterinarian‑approved acaricide (e.g., ivermectin, selamectin, or moxidectin) at the correct dose for the bird, and repeat treatment according to the product’s schedule. Follow with thorough cleaning of cages, perches, and accessories and treat any other birds in the household to prevent recurrence.

How to treat scabies mite in a parrot? - in detail

Scabies infestation in psittacine birds requires prompt identification and systematic therapy. The parasite, typically Knemidokoptes spp., burrows into the feather follicles and skin, causing intense irritation, feather loss, and secondary infections.

Diagnosis

• Visual inspection of affected plumage for crusted lesions, especially around the head, neck, and vent.
• Microscopic examination of skin scrapings to confirm mite presence.
• Evaluation of the bird’s overall health, including weight, feather condition, and signs of stress.

Therapeutic protocol

1. Topical acaricide

   • Apply a 0.5 % ivermectin solution or 1 % selamectin to the affected areas once daily for three consecutive days.
   • Ensure thorough coverage of feather bases and skin folds; avoid contact with eyes and beak.
   • Repeat the entire course after two weeks to eradicate newly hatched mites.

2. Systemic medication

   • Administer oral ivermectin at 0.2 mg/kg body weight, repeated after seven days.
   • Monitor for signs of neurotoxicity; discontinue if ataxia or tremors appear.

3. Supportive care

   • Provide a high‑protein diet enriched with vitamins A and E to promote feather regrowth.
   • Maintain ambient temperature between 22–26 °C to reduce stress.
   • Clean the cage, perches, and feeding dishes with a diluted chlorhexidine solution; replace all bedding.

4. Secondary infection control

   • If bacterial infection is evident, initiate a broad‑spectrum antibiotic (e.g., enrofloxacin 10 mg/kg IM daily for five days).
   • Use an anti‑inflammatory agent such as meloxicam 0.2 mg/kg orally for three days to alleviate pain.

Prevention

• Quarantine new birds for at least 30 days and treat prophylactically with a single dose of ivermectin.
• Conduct monthly feather inspections in multi‑bird aviaries.
• Rotate disinfectants and sterilize equipment using a 10 % bleach solution followed by thorough rinsing.
• Limit exposure to wild birds and contaminated environments.

Follow‑up

• Re‑examine the bird two weeks after completing treatment; confirm absence of mites with a repeat skin scrape.
• Schedule a veterinary check‑up one month later to assess feather regeneration and overall health.

Adhering to this regimen eliminates the mite infestation, restores feather integrity, and minimizes recurrence risk.