Where does scabies mite appear in a parrot? - briefly
Scabies mites infest the parrot’s skin, concentrating on feather‑less zones such as the vent, leg joints, and around the eyes, where they produce crusted lesions and feather loss.
Where does scabies mite appear in a parrot? - in detail
The scabies mite (Psoroptes spp.) colonises the external integument of parrots, concentrating on areas where skin is thin and feathers are sparse. Primary sites include the cere, around the eyes, the beak margin, the vent, and the legs, especially the tarsal region. Secondary colonisation frequently involves the wing joints, the neck, and the ventral surface of the trunk.
Typical lesions manifest as hyperkeratotic crusts, feather loss, and erythema. The mite feeds on epidermal tissue, causing irritation that leads to scratching and self‑trauma. Infested birds often display a characteristic “scaly” appearance on the cere and a “feather‑picking” behavior.
Diagnostic procedures consist of:
- Direct microscopic examination of skin scrapings from affected sites;
- Histopathological analysis of biopsy specimens to confirm mite presence;
- Observation of clinical signs in conjunction with environmental assessment.
Effective management requires a combination of topical and systemic acaricides. Recommended treatments include:
- Application of a 0.5 % ivermectin solution to affected skin, repeated after 7 days;
- Administration of oral ivermectin at 0.2 mg/kg body weight, repeated after 14 days;
- Thorough cleaning and disinfection of cages, perches, and feeding equipment to eliminate environmental reservoirs.
Preventive measures focus on maintaining low humidity, regular health checks, and quarantine of new birds before introduction to established flocks. Continuous monitoring after treatment ensures eradication and reduces the risk of recurrence.