Dermanyssus gallinae (1)

Question 1

What are the common names?

Answer 1

Red mite

Roost mite

Poultry mite

Question 2

What are the hosts?

Answer 2

Domestic and wild birds

Humans

Question 3

How do you identify?

Answer 3

Up to 750 micro m

Spiderlike with long palps

Mouthparts are needlelike and adapted for piercing and sucking blood

When engorged, body becomes red to black in color

Females gray to red

Question 4

Explain life cycle

Answer 4

Much of life away from host

Adults and nymphs only visit birds to feed, at night

Mites hide in cracks or crevices

Adult females lay eggs off host

Entire life cycle can be completed in less than 7 days

Can live up to 8 months without a blood meal

Difficult to control infestation

Survive off host for months

Question 5

What are the sites of infestation?

Answer 5

Anywhere on body - at night

“Night mite”

During the day, hide in crevices

Question 6

Describe the Pathogenesis

Answer 6

Heavy infestations may decrease:

 - Reproductive potential in males
 - Egg production in females
 - Weight gain in young birds

Anemia

Death

Vectors for pathogens
- Not significant

Change of behavior due to itching

Question 7

How do you diagnose?

Answer 7

Identification of mite, usually at night

Can be difficult since not always on bird

Examine environment

 - Only on host at night
 - Buildings must be treated for control

Question 8

What is important about Dermanyssus gallinae?

Answer 8

It is ZOONOTIC