Ornithonyssus spp. (1) Flashcards
What are the common names?
O. sylviarum: Northern Fowl Mite
O. bursa: Tropical Fowl Mite
What are the hosts?
Primarily chickens
Other birds
Humans
How do you identify?
Up to 750 micro m
Spiderlike with long palps
Mouthparts needlelike and adapted for piercing and sucking blood
When engorged, body becomes red to black in color
Grey to red color
Engorged females most often seen
Mouthparts long
Explain the life cycle
Entire life cycle on host
Life cycle can be completed in less than 7 days
Lay eggs on host
Remain on bird
Only survive for 10 days away from host
What is the site of infestation?
On host during the day as well as night
Among feathers and around vent area
Describe the Pathogenesis
Heavy infestations may decrease:
- Reproductive potential in males - Egg production in females - Weight gain in young birds
Change of behavior due to itching
Anemia
Death
Vectors of pathogens
- Not significant
How do you diagnose?
Identification of mite
Examine birds
How do you treat and prevent?
Control proliferation of mites
Treat bird with houses with appropriate and suitable parasiticides
What is important about Ornithonyssus spp.?
It is ZOONOTIC
Most common poultry mite
Most important ectoparasites of caged layers and breeding chickens in US
