Knemidocoptes spp. (1)

Question 1

What are the hosts?

Answer 1

Chickens

Turkeys

Caged Birds

Question 2

How do you identify?

Answer 2

Up to 400 micro m

Spherical

Resemble Sarcoptes scabiei

Question 3

Explain the life cycle

Answer 3

PPP: 17-21 days

Entire life cycle on host

Question 4

What is the site of infection?

Answer 4

Under scales on the legs or non-feathered portions of face

Question 5

What are the clinical signs?

Answer 5

Inflammation and keratinization of skin of legs and/or face

Lameness - malformation of feet

Question 6

Describe the Pathogenesis of K. mutans

Answer 6

Burrow in epidermis

 - Under scales on legs 
        - Scales lift and become loosened 

Legs become thickened and deformed

Burrow into non-feathered portions of the face
- Serous exudate - hardens into crusts

Proliferative lesions cause trauma and disfigurement

Question 7

Describe the Pathogenesis of K. gallinae

Answer 7

Invades feathers and burrows into shafts

Pain

Irritation

Characterized by intense scratching and feather loss
- Feathers fall out, break off, pulled out by bird

Emaciation

Death

Question 8

How do you diagnose?

Answer 8

Mites may be observed by removing a loose scale and examining the underside

Skin scrapings

Question 9

How do you treat and prevent?

Answer 9

Treated by dipping legs into an acaricidal solution

Oral/tropical ivermectin may also be effective

Question 10

What is the common name?

Answer 10

K. mutans: Scaly leg mite

K. gallinae: Depluming itch mite