Tracheal mite in canaries – how to treat? - briefly
Give a single dose of ivermectin (0.2 mg per kg body weight) orally in the drinking water or by subcutaneous injection, and repeat the treatment after 7–10 days to eradicate any surviving mites. Keep cages clean and isolate the treated birds until the course is finished to avoid reinfection.
Tracheal mite in canaries – how to treat? - in detail
Tracheal mite infestation in canaries requires prompt identification and targeted therapy. Clinical signs typically include wheezing, labored breathing, and visible mucus in the nostrils. Diagnosis is confirmed by examining tracheal swabs under a microscope for the characteristic oval mites or by performing a post‑mortem tracheal wash in severe cases.
Effective pharmacological options include:
- Ivermectin: 0.2 mg/kg body weight, administered orally once, repeat after 7 days if symptoms persist.
- Selamectin: 0.2 mg/kg, applied topically to the back of the neck, repeat after 10 days.
- Fenbendazole: 50 mg/kg, mixed into drinking water for 5 consecutive days.
- Moxidectin: 0.2 mg/kg, given orally as a single dose; consider a second dose after 14 days for heavy infestations.
Dosage calculations must be based on the bird’s exact weight; overdosing risks neurotoxicity, while underdosing allows parasite survival. Administer medication with food or water to improve absorption and reduce stress.
Supportive measures complement drug therapy:
- Increase humidity in the aviary to ease respiratory discomfort.
- Provide fresh, clean water and high‑quality nutrition to bolster immune function.
- Isolate affected individuals for at least two weeks to prevent cross‑contamination.
- Clean and disinfect cages, perches, and feeding equipment with a 1 % quaternary ammonium solution or a 0.5 % bleach solution, followed by thorough rinsing.
Monitoring after treatment involves daily observation of respiratory patterns and repeat tracheal swabs after the second medication cycle. A negative microscopy result confirms eradication; persistent positive findings require reassessment of drug choice and possible combination therapy.
Prevention hinges on strict biosecurity: quarantine new arrivals for a minimum of 30 days, conduct regular health checks, and maintain low stocking density to reduce stress‑induced susceptibility. Routine prophylactic administration of a low‑dose ivermectin or selamectin, as advised by a veterinarian, can suppress mite populations without inducing resistance when applied according to a rotating schedule.