Bird Ectoparasites

Lice- pretty disgusting creatures. Eurgh. 

I struggle to remember bird parasites, rather like the worms. Hence I'm collating them all here. This may also be due to the fact they're not my main species of interest.. although I will have some chickens when I graduate (ex battery :D). 

Mites

Knemidocoptes

• K.Mutans-> feet and legs. Poultry. Causes extensive crusting. 
• K.Pilae-> budgies, parrots. Light feathered areas with a scaly face.
• K.Laevisgallinae-> poultry & pheasants. Known as 'depluming itch.' Can be treated topically.

 Dermanyssus Gallinae 

• Nocturnal-> hide in accommodation structure in daylight. 
• Bright red poultry mite. 
• Can survive for months in empty accommodation. 
• Rapid population build ups. 
• Pruritis, papules & crusts. 
• Acaricides-> treat the accommodation. Eradication difficult. Not normally seen on the bird. 

Ornithonyssus Sylvarium

• Permanent blood sucking mite found on the bird themselves. 

Ticks

Argas Reflexus

• Pigeon tick.
• Heavy infestations may be fatal. 
• Soft tick. 
• Can cause severe allergies in humans. 

Lice

• Lipeurus Caponis (wings, tail).
• Menacnthus Stramineus (body).
• Menopongallinae (shaft). 
• Feeds on feathers. 
• Irritant, decreased body weight and egg production.
• Autumn/winter.
• Control-> OP/carbamate dusts.