What to do if turkey poults have mites? - briefly
Apply a veterinarian‑approved acaricide to the birds and their environment, then clean and disinfect the brooder, removing all bedding and debris. Isolate the affected poults, monitor the flock daily, and repeat treatment according to label instructions.
What to do if turkey poults have mites? - in detail
Mite infestations in young turkeys require immediate intervention to prevent feather loss, skin irritation, and secondary infections. The following protocol outlines identification, treatment, and preventive measures.
First, confirm the presence of mites by inspecting the birds and their environment. Look for small, reddish‑brown insects moving rapidly through the feather shaft, and check for scaly or crusty skin around the vent and wattle. Collect a few specimens on white paper for microscopic verification if needed.
Second, isolate affected poults in a clean, low‑humidity brooder. Remove all bedding, feed containers, and water dishes; wash them with hot, soapy water, rinse thoroughly, and disinfect with a 1 % solution of a veterinary‑approved disinfectant (e.g., quaternary ammonium compound). Replace bedding with fresh, dry material such as pine shavings.
Third, apply an acaricide approved for poultry. Options include:
- Topical spray: Dilute permethrin or pyrethrin according to label directions; spray the whole bird, focusing on the vent, wing joints, and under the tail. Repeat after 7 days to break the mite life cycle.
- Dusting powder: Use a fine‑grade diatomaceous earth or a commercial poultry dust; dust the feathers lightly, ensuring coverage of the vent area. Reapply weekly for three weeks.
- Oral medication: In severe cases, administer ivermectin at 0.2 mg/kg body weight, given orally or via drinking water, following veterinary guidance. Observe withdrawal periods for meat.
Fourth, treat the surrounding environment. Clean the brooder thoroughly, then apply the same acaricide as a surface spray to walls, perches, and equipment. For deep‑lying infestations, consider fogging the room with a low‑toxicity aerosol, ensuring ventilation before re‑entry.
Fifth, monitor the flock daily for signs of re‑infestation. Record mite counts on a sample of birds each week. If numbers do not decline after two treatment cycles, re‑evaluate dosage, rotate to a different class of acaricide, and consult a veterinarian for possible resistance.
Finally, implement long‑term prevention:
- Maintain low humidity (≤ 60 %) and adequate ventilation.
- Rotate bedding weekly and dispose of used material away from the farm.
- Schedule regular prophylactic acaricide applications every 4–6 weeks during peak mite seasons.
- Quarantine new poults for at least 14 days, treating them preemptively before introduction to the main flock.
Following this systematic approach will eradicate mites, protect the health of the young turkeys, and minimize future outbreaks.