Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Poultry Disease and Raising Quail. (Part 1)
PARASITES (EXTERNAL)
Poultry Mites
All classes of poultry are susceptible to mites, some of which are bloodsuckers,
while others burrow into the skin or live on or in the feathers.
Others occur in the air passages and in the lungs, liver and other
internal organs. Poultry mites cause retarded growth, reduced egg
production, lowered vitality, damaged plumage and even death. Much
of the injury, consisting of constant irritation and loss of blood, is not
apparent without careful examination.
Of primary concern to the poultryman is the Northern Fowl Mite
(Ornithonyssus sylviarum) which is a frequent and serious pest of
chickens. Heavy infestations result in low condition of the birds and
lower egg production, as well as a scabby skin condition. The mite
remains on the bird and does more damage than any other species of
mite. The mite does not leave the host bird, as do may species of mites,
and can be observed on birds in large numbers during daylight hours. It
prefers the feathers below the vent and around the tail, but can be
found on all parts of the body. The mite is extremely small and a microscope or
magnifying glass may be needed to see it.
The female northern fowl mite lays eggs on feathers where the young
mites complete their development without leaving the host. Since they
remain on the fowl most of the time, treatment of the birds is necessary
to destroy the mites.
The Common Chicken Mite (Dermanyssus gallinae) is the most
common mite found on all types of poultry. It is a blood-sucker, and
when present in large numbers, loss of blood and irritation may be
sufficient to cause anemia. Egg production is seriously reduced.
This mite feeds at night, and usually remains hidden in cracks and crevices during the day. It attacks birds at night while they are on the roost. In heavy infestations, some mites may remain on the birds during the day.
About a day after feeding, the female lays eggs in cracks and
crevices of the house. The eggs hatch and the mites develop into adults
within about a week. During cold weather, the cycle is slower. A poultry
house remains infested four to five months after birds are removed.
Since the mite feeds on wild birds, these birds may be responsible for
spreading infestations. However, it is more likely that spread of the mite
is promoted by using contaminated coops. Human carriers are also
important. Since these mites do not stay on the birds during the day,
apply treatments to houses and equipment as well as the birds.
The Scaly-Leg Mite (Knemidocoptes mutans) lives under the scales on
feet and legs of poultry. It also may attach to the comb and wattles. It
causes a thickening of scales on the feet and legs that gives the
impression that the scales are protruding directly outward, rather that
laying flat on the limb. It spends its entire life cycle on the birds and
spreads mainly by direct contact.
The Depluming Mite (Knemidocoptes laevis, variety gallinae) causes
severe irritation by burrowing into the skin near the bases of feathers
and frequently causes feathers to be pulled out or broken. The mite is
barely visible to the naked eye and can be found in follicles at the base
of the feathers. The mites crawl around the birds at times, spreading
from bird to bird.
The most effective treatment for all mite species is a regular inspection
and spraying program of both the birds and their premises. An
appropriate solution of permethrin, when sprayed on the birds, will
eliminate all mites that infest the bird. The spraying of all facilities will
ensure that any mites hiding in cracks and crevices will be destroyed.
The treatment should be repeated on a one to two month schedule or
whenever populations of the mites are detected.
All the information above can be found at www.msucares.com. It is to be used for educational purposes only.
We at www.howtoraisequail.com take no responsibility for the use or outcome of this information
Last Modified: Tuesday 12-Sep-06 09:57:57
URL: http://msucares.com/poultry/diseases/disinfectants.html
-----------------------------------------------------------------
To find out more about Raising Quail visit:
How to Raise Quail.com
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Poultry Mites
All classes of poultry are susceptible to mites, some of which are bloodsuckers,
while others burrow into the skin or live on or in the feathers.
Others occur in the air passages and in the lungs, liver and other
internal organs. Poultry mites cause retarded growth, reduced egg
production, lowered vitality, damaged plumage and even death. Much
of the injury, consisting of constant irritation and loss of blood, is not
apparent without careful examination.
Of primary concern to the poultryman is the Northern Fowl Mite
(Ornithonyssus sylviarum) which is a frequent and serious pest of
chickens. Heavy infestations result in low condition of the birds and
lower egg production, as well as a scabby skin condition. The mite
remains on the bird and does more damage than any other species of
mite. The mite does not leave the host bird, as do may species of mites,
and can be observed on birds in large numbers during daylight hours. It
prefers the feathers below the vent and around the tail, but can be
found on all parts of the body. The mite is extremely small and a microscope or
magnifying glass may be needed to see it.
The female northern fowl mite lays eggs on feathers where the young
mites complete their development without leaving the host. Since they
remain on the fowl most of the time, treatment of the birds is necessary
to destroy the mites.
The Common Chicken Mite (Dermanyssus gallinae) is the most
common mite found on all types of poultry. It is a blood-sucker, and
when present in large numbers, loss of blood and irritation may be
sufficient to cause anemia. Egg production is seriously reduced.
This mite feeds at night, and usually remains hidden in cracks and crevices during the day. It attacks birds at night while they are on the roost. In heavy infestations, some mites may remain on the birds during the day.
About a day after feeding, the female lays eggs in cracks and
crevices of the house. The eggs hatch and the mites develop into adults
within about a week. During cold weather, the cycle is slower. A poultry
house remains infested four to five months after birds are removed.
Since the mite feeds on wild birds, these birds may be responsible for
spreading infestations. However, it is more likely that spread of the mite
is promoted by using contaminated coops. Human carriers are also
important. Since these mites do not stay on the birds during the day,
apply treatments to houses and equipment as well as the birds.
The Scaly-Leg Mite (Knemidocoptes mutans) lives under the scales on
feet and legs of poultry. It also may attach to the comb and wattles. It
causes a thickening of scales on the feet and legs that gives the
impression that the scales are protruding directly outward, rather that
laying flat on the limb. It spends its entire life cycle on the birds and
spreads mainly by direct contact.
The Depluming Mite (Knemidocoptes laevis, variety gallinae) causes
severe irritation by burrowing into the skin near the bases of feathers
and frequently causes feathers to be pulled out or broken. The mite is
barely visible to the naked eye and can be found in follicles at the base
of the feathers. The mites crawl around the birds at times, spreading
from bird to bird.
The most effective treatment for all mite species is a regular inspection
and spraying program of both the birds and their premises. An
appropriate solution of permethrin, when sprayed on the birds, will
eliminate all mites that infest the bird. The spraying of all facilities will
ensure that any mites hiding in cracks and crevices will be destroyed.
The treatment should be repeated on a one to two month schedule or
whenever populations of the mites are detected.
All the information above can be found at www.msucares.com. It is to be used for educational purposes only.
We at www.howtoraisequail.com take no responsibility for the use or outcome of this information
Last Modified: Tuesday 12-Sep-06 09:57:57
URL: http://msucares.com/poultry/diseases/disinfectants.html
-----------------------------------------------------------------
To find out more about Raising Quail visit:
How to Raise Quail.com
-----------------------------------------------------------------
# posted by Gary Ortlieb @ 3:23 PM 
