How to treat tracheal mites in canaries? - briefly
Administer a licensed antiparasitic such as ivermectin (or fenbendazole) at the recommended dose, repeat after 7 days, and keep the birds isolated with thorough cleaning of cages and equipment; provide supportive care like humidified air and nutrition to aid recovery.Administer a licensed antiparasitic such as ivermectin (or fenbendazole) at the recommended dose, repeat after 7 days, and keep the birds isolated with thorough cleaning of cages and equipment; provide supportive care like humidified air and nutrition to aid recovery.
How to treat tracheal mites in canaries? - in detail
Tracheal mites (Rhopalopsylla spp.) infest the respiratory tract of canaries, causing sneezing, nasal discharge, and reduced song quality. Effective management requires accurate diagnosis, appropriate medication, and environmental sanitation.
Diagnosis relies on visual inspection of the bird’s nostrils and throat with a bright light, followed by microscopic examination of collected secretions. Presence of elongated, brownish mites confirms infection.
Medication
- Ivermectin: 0.2 mg/kg body weight, administered orally or via drinking water for three consecutive days.
- Levamisole: 5 mg/kg body weight, given as a single oral dose; repeat after 7 days if mites persist.
- Bithionol: 2 g/L added to the water supply for 5 days; monitor water intake to ensure adequate dosing.
Administration guidelines
- Weigh each bird to calculate precise dosage.
- Mix oral solutions thoroughly to prevent sedimentation.
- Provide medicated water in clean containers; replace daily to avoid bacterial growth.
- Observe birds for adverse reactions such as lethargy or loss of appetite; discontinue treatment if severe signs appear and consult a veterinarian.
Environmental control
- Clean cages, perches, and feeding dishes with a 1 % diluted bleach solution, then rinse and dry.
- Replace bedding weekly; use paper-based substrates that can be sterilized.
- Maintain temperature between 18–22 °C and humidity around 50 % to discourage mite proliferation.
- Quarantine new or recovered birds for at least 14 days before reintroducing them to the main aviary.
Follow‑up
- Re‑examine all birds 10 days after the final medication dose.
- Conduct a second microscopic assessment; if mites are still detected, repeat the chosen drug at the same dosage.
- Perform monthly health checks for the next three months to ensure complete eradication.
Prevention
- Implement a routine cleaning schedule, rotating disinfectants to prevent resistance.
- Provide a balanced diet rich in vitamins A and E to support respiratory health.
- Limit stressors such as overcrowding and abrupt environmental changes, which can predispose birds to infestation.