How to treat scabies mite in parrots? - briefly
Apply a veterinary‑approved acaricide—commonly ivermectin or selamectin—at the dosage recommended for psittacines, and repeat the treatment after 7–10 days to eliminate remaining mites. Simultaneously isolate the bird, disinfect the cage with a 0.5 % bleach solution, and wash all accessories to prevent reinfestation.
How to treat scabies mite in parrots? - in detail
Scabies in parrots, caused by the mite Psoroptes or Sarcoptes species, requires prompt and systematic intervention. Effective management combines topical acaricides, systemic medication, environmental sanitation, and supportive care.
Topical treatment options include:
- Permethrin 5 % spray or solution applied to the featherless skin, repeated after 7 days.
- Ivermectin 1 % cream or ointment, administered to affected areas once daily for three consecutive days.
- Sulfur ointment (5 % in petroleum jelly) applied nightly for 10–14 days; safe for most psittacine species.
Systemic therapy:
- Ivermectin oral dose 0.2 mg/kg body weight, administered once, with a repeat dose after 7 days if lesions persist.
- Selamectin oral or topical formulation, 0.2 mg/kg, single dose; effective against a broad spectrum of ectoparasites.
- Doramectin subcutaneous injection, 0.2 mg/kg, repeated after 10 days for refractory cases.
Environmental control measures:
- Remove and discard all perches, toys, and nesting material that cannot be sterilized.
- Wash reusable items in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry thoroughly.
- Clean the aviary with a dilute bleach solution (1 % sodium hypochlorite) and allow complete drying before reintroduction of the bird.
Supportive care:
- Provide high‑quality diet enriched with vitamins A and E to promote skin healing.
- Maintain ambient temperature between 24 °C and 28 °C to reduce stress.
- Monitor for secondary bacterial infection; administer appropriate antibiotics if clinical signs develop.
Diagnostic confirmation relies on microscopic examination of skin scrapings, revealing characteristic mite morphology. In cases where skin scraping yields negative results but clinical suspicion remains high, skin biopsy or PCR testing may be employed.
Treatment duration typically spans 2–3 weeks, with weekly reassessment of lesion size, pruritus, and feather condition. Successful resolution is indicated by the absence of active lesions, normal feather regrowth, and negative follow‑up skin examinations. Continuous observation for at least one month post‑treatment ensures eradication and prevents recurrence.