How to treat scabies mite in chickens?

How to treat scabies mite in chickens? - briefly

Administer a veterinary‑approved acaricide—oral or injectable ivermectin, or a permethrin‑based spray—following label dosage to eliminate the mite. Then clean the coop thoroughly, replace bedding, and isolate affected birds until symptoms cease.

How to treat scabies mite in chickens? - in detail

Scabies mites infesting poultry cause intense itching, feather loss, and reduced egg production. Prompt recognition and comprehensive management are essential to restore flock health.

The parasite’s life cycle lasts 10–14 days. Females lay eggs on the skin surface; larvae hatch within 3–4 days, migrate to the feather shaft, and mature into adults. Because the entire cycle occurs on the host, treatment must target all stages simultaneously.

Diagnostic steps

• Examine birds for crusted lesions, especially around the vent, neck, and wing bases.
• Collect skin scrapings with a scalpel blade; place on a glass slide with mineral oil and observe under a microscope for characteristic oval mites.
• Perform a “tape test”: press transparent adhesive tape to lesions, then examine the tape for mites.

Therapeutic measures

1. Systemic acaricides

   • Ivermectin: administer 0.2 mg/kg body weight orally or subcutaneously; repeat after 7 days to cover emerging larvae.
   • Moxidectin: dose 0.2 mg/kg orally; effective for up to 21 days, reducing need for a second treatment.
   • Observe withdrawal periods for eggs and meat according to local regulations.

2. Topical agents

   • Permethrin 1 % spray: apply directly to affected areas, covering the entire plumage; repeat after 5 days.
   • Carbaryl dust: dust birds lightly, ensuring full coverage; limit exposure to 24 hours before handling for food safety.

3. Herbal alternatives

   • Eucalyptus oil (1 % solution) applied to the skin reduces mite activity; use with caution to avoid respiratory irritation.
   • Neem oil (2 % emulsion) sprayed on the flock provides acaricidal action and improves feather condition.

4. Environmental sanitation

   • Remove and incinerate heavily infested bedding; replace with fresh, dry material.
   • Disinfect coops with a 1 % quaternary ammonium solution; allow a 30‑minute contact time.
   • Rotate perches and nesting boxes to break the infestation cycle.

5. Supportive care

   • Provide high‑protein feed enriched with vitamin E and selenium to promote skin regeneration.
   • Offer electrolyte‑balanced water to prevent dehydration from excessive preening.
   • Isolate severely affected birds to reduce transmission.

Prevention strategy

• Implement a quarterly inspection program; treat any suspect bird immediately.
• Apply a low‑dose acaricide (e.g., ivermectin 0.1 mg/kg) to the entire flock every 3 months as a prophylactic measure, respecting withdrawal guidelines.
• Maintain low stocking density and adequate ventilation to reduce skin irritation that predisposes infestation.
• Use footbaths with diluted bleach (0.5 %) at coop entry points to limit mite spread via equipment.

Effective control relies on synchronized chemical treatment, rigorous hygiene, and ongoing monitoring. Following these protocols eliminates the parasite, restores productivity, and prevents recurrence.