Invasion of Red Mite (Dermanyssus gallinae)
As a Cause of Foot Self-Mutilation in a Laying Hen Flock
Kamila Bobrek and Andrzej Gaweł*
Department of Epizootiology and
Clinic of Bird and Exotic Animals,
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Wrocław University of Environmental
and Life Sciences, pl. Grunwaldzki 45, 50-366 Wrocław, Poland *Corresponding author: andrzej.gawel@up.wroc.pl
Abstract
This case report describes Dermanyssus
gallinae infestation as a cause of foot self-mutilation in a laying hen (Gallus
gallus) flock. The wounds were observed on one or both feet on the dorsal part of the metatarsus and third digit.
Some birds have severe lesions - the tendon and muscle were damaged, and the
bone of the digit was visible. The high number of red mites on
the dead birds and in the poultry house was noted. The warm summer and
high
temperatures (30oC) were optimal for red mite development, leading to
their high numbers in the environment. The
observations suggest that during the examination of foot injuries in birds,
self-mutilation caused by red mite invasion should be considered as a possible
cause, in addition to pododermatitis and scabies.
Key words:
Dermanyssus gallinae,
Feet self-mutilation,
Hen, Red mite