What are mites on animals? - briefly
Mites are microscopic arachnids that live on the skin, fur, feathers, or hooves of vertebrates, feeding on tissue fluids, blood, or skin debris. Their presence can range from harmless commensalism to causing irritation, dermatitis, or disease in the host.
What are mites on animals? - in detail
Mites that live on vertebrates are microscopic arachnids belonging to the subclass Acari. They possess eight legs as adults, soft bodies, and lack true wings. Most species are ectoparasites, feeding on skin, blood, or secretions, while a few are saprophagous, inhabiting nests or fur without directly harming the host.
Taxonomic classification places animal‑associated mites in several families, including Sarcoptidae (causing sarcoptic mange), Demodexidae (residing in hair follicles), Psoroptidae (affecting skin surface), and Dermanyssidae (blood‑feeding on birds and mammals). Each family exhibits distinct morphology: Sarcoptidae are round, burrowing forms; Demodex mites are elongated, worm‑like; Psoroptidae have flattened bodies adapted for surface movement; Dermanyssidae possess suckers for hematophagy.
Life cycles vary but generally follow egg → larva (six legs) → protonymph → deutonymph → adult (eight legs). Developmental duration depends on temperature and humidity; optimal conditions accelerate progression, leading to rapid population expansion on a host. Some species complete the cycle entirely on the animal, while others require an off‑host environment for certain stages.
Ecological impacts include:
- Skin irritation, alopecia, and secondary infections caused by mechanical damage or allergic responses.
- Nutrient loss and anemia from blood‑sucking species.
- Transmission of bacterial, viral, or protozoal pathogens (e.g., Rickettsia, West Nile virus).
- Reduced reproductive success and weight gain, especially in young or immunocompromised individuals.
Diagnostic procedures rely on visual inspection for lesions, microscopic examination of skin scrapings, hair plucks, or ear swabs, and, when necessary, molecular methods such as PCR to identify specific mite DNA.
Control strategies combine chemical, biological, and management measures:
- Topical acaricides (e.g., pyrethrins, selamectin) applied directly to the animal’s skin or coat.
- Systemic medications (e.g., ivermectin) that circulate in the bloodstream, reaching feeding mites.
- Environmental sanitation: regular cleaning of bedding, nests, and housing to eliminate off‑host stages.
- Biological agents: predatory fungi or nematodes introduced into the environment to reduce mite populations.
- Quarantine of newly introduced animals to prevent introduction of novel mite species.
Prevention focuses on maintaining optimal husbandry conditions—adequate ventilation, low humidity, regular grooming, and routine health checks—to limit mite proliferation and minimize host susceptibility.