Scaly Leg Mite Infestation in Chickens

11/9/21, 4:43 PM Scaly leg mite infestation in Chickens
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Scaly Leg Mite Infestation

Other Names: Knemidocoptiasis, Cutaneous Knemidokoptosis
Scaly leg mites (Knemidocoptes mutans
(http://www.poultrydvm.com/pathogens/knemidocoptes-mutans)) are a relatively common
ectoparasite of chickens, affecting backyard and free range flocks worldwide. K. mutans are
sarcoptic mites (burrowing mites) which burrow into the cornified epidermis of the skin, causing
tissue damage. The mites are most often found on the legs and feet, but occasionally the
comb, wattle, neck and/or beak. The presence of the mites causes irritation and hyperkeratotic
lesions.
Prolonged infestations with K. mutans can lead to necrosis of the toes, lameness, and
permanent deformation of the feet. In addition, the compromised skin barrier puts the birds at
higher risk of developing secondary bacterial infections.
Clinical Signs of Scaly Leg Mites in Chickens

The scales on the chicken's legs and feet should normally appear smooth and flat. When
infested with K. mutans the scales often appear dry, crusty, uneven and raised. The skin will be
thickened.
www.poultrydvm.com/condition/scaly-leg-mites 1/28
(http://www.poultrydvm.com/assets/img/poultrydvm-scaly-leg-mites.jpg)
Eventually, the heavy crusting of the scales can start to interfere with joint flexion, resulting in
lameness, deformity, and necrosis.
Transmission of Scaly Leg Mites

K. mutans are spread between chickens by direct contact with infected birds. They are initially
introduced into a flock through adding a new chicken who is infected already, or exposure to
wild birds or rodents.
Treatment of Scaly Leg Mites in Chickens

In order to initially suffocate the mites and help promote growth of new scales, paraffin oil or
petroleum jelly (Vaseline) is applied to the legs and feet of each infected bird. Repeated daily
until the old, damaged scales have fallen off, and new healthy scales have grown in. In
moderate to severe cases, administration of 1% Ivermectin or Moxidectin is needed.
Clinical Signs
Flaking, crusting, scaling, or roughened skin
Uneven or lifting of scales
Thickening of the skin
Increased itching
Damaged leg feathers
Diagnosis Reported Cases Treatment
Name Summary
Paraffin oil, Coconut oil, Apply over the bird's feet and legs.
Shea butter, or petroleum
jelly (Vaseline)
Ivermectin Applied topically or given orally at 0.2 mg/kg, once every two
(/drugs/ivermectin) weeks. Two weeks after the first treatment, the scales should
start sloughing off.
Moxidectin Pour-on or injectable forms are both effective, and available in
0.5% and 1% preparations.
Dergall (http</td>
<td>//dergall-hobby.com/)
Ectoblaster spray Topical application to damaged areas of the skin.
Support
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Prevention
 ()Provide your flock with a dust bathing area
 ()Maintain a clean environment
 ()Keep rodents out of coops
 ()Prevent contact with wild birds

 ()Thoroughly clean and disinfect any tree branches brought in to be used as perches for
birds.
 ()Reduce stress
Prognosis Scientific References

1Dryden, Michael W., et al. In-home assessment of either topical fluralaner or topical
selamectin for flea control in naturally infested cats in West Central Florida, USA
(https://doi.org/10.1186/s13071-018-2995-1) Parasites and Vectors (2018)
2R Axelson, DVM. Knemidokoptic Mange or Scaly Leg and Face Disease in Birds
(https://nilesanimalhospital.com/pet-health-resources/pet-health-articles/articles/?
rid=880) Niles Animal Hospital and Bird Medical Center (2017)
3Odenu, R. A., et al Ecto-parasites of Domestic Chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) in
Gwagwalada Area Council, Abuja, Nigeria-West Africa. Alexandria Journal for Veterinary
Sciences 51.1 (2016)
4Sreedevi, C., et al Occurrence of Knemidokoptes mutans and Laminosioptes cysticola
in backyard poultry in India. Journal of parasitic diseases 40.4 (2016)
5A Murillo, B Mullens Diversity and Prevalence of Ectoparasites on Backyard Chicken
Flocks in California. Journal of Medical Entomology (2016)
6Horn TB, Körbes JH, Granich J, Senter M, Ferla NJ.. Influence of laying hen systems on the
mite fauna (Acari) community of commercial poultry farms in southern Brazil.
(http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26446089) Parasitol Res. (2016)
7Vezzoli G, Mullens BA, Mench JA.. Relationships between beak condition, preening
behavior and ectoparasite infestation levels in laying hens.
(http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26155987) Poult Sci. (2015)
8Moyo, S., Masika, P. J., & Moyo, B A diagnostic survey of external parasites of free-range
chickens, in the rural areas of eastern cape, south Africa.. International Journal of
Agriculture Science and Veterinary Medicine, 3(2), 1-9 (2015)
9Srinivasan, P., et al. Scaly leg in nondescript breed of backyard reared chicken. Indian Vet
J 91.12 (2014)
10Mete, Aslı, et al.. Knemidocoptic mange in wild golden eagles, California, USA
(https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4193178/) Emerging infectious diseases
20.10 (2014)
11Somda, Begaleaon Helene. Etymologia: Knemidocoptic Mange.
(https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4193189/) Emerging Infectious Diseases
20.10 (2014)
12Daye . Case: Knemidokoptiasis, stratum corneum, chicken
(https://www.askjpc.org/vspo/show_page.php?id=397) The Joint Pathology Center (2013)
13Mironov, Sergey V Allopsoroptoides galli ng, n. sp., a new genus and species of feather
mites (Acari: Analgoidea: Psoroptoididae) causing mange in commercially raised
domestic chicken in Brazil. Systematic parasitology (2013)
14Hossain, MD Kamal, et al Dose titration, efficacy and safety of “drop on” ivermectin for
the management of Knemidocoptes spp. infestation in budgerigars. J App Pharm 3.4
(2012)
15Dabert, J., Mihalca, A. D., & Sándor, A. D. The first report of Knemidocoptes intermedius
Fain et Macfarlane, 1967 (Acari: Astigmata) in naturally infected European birds..
Parasitology research, 109(1), 237-240 (2011)
16Mukaratirwa, S., and T. Hove. A survey of ectoparasites, cestodes and management of
free-range indigenous chickens in rural Zimbabwe
(https://journals.co.za/content/savet/80/3/EJC99822) Journal of the South African
Veterinary Association 80.3 (2009)
17Xu, Y., Yang, G., & Zhang, T.. Morphology, survival vitality in vitro and pathogenicity of
Knemidocoptes mutans from chickens.
(https://www.cabdirect.org/cabdirect/abstract/20093061582) Chinese Veterinary
Science/Zhongguo Shouyi Kexue, 39(1), 16-21. (2009)
18Sangvaranond, Arkom, et al. Case report: Cnemidocoptiasis (scaly leg) of paddyfield
pipit bird (Anthus rufulus) in Petchaburi province of Thailand. Kasetsart Vet 17.2 (2007)
19Morishita, Teresa Y., et al.. Scaly-leg mite infestation associated with digit necrosis in
bantam chickens (Gallus domesticus) (https://doi.org/10.1647/2004-022.1) Journal of
Avian Medicine and Surgery 19.3 (2005)
20Jaensch, S. M., S. R. Raidal, and R. Hobbs. Knemidocoptes intermedius in a wild
currawong (Strepera graculina) (https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1751-0813.2003.tb11550.x)
Australian veterinary journal 81.7 (2003)
21Permin A, Esmann JB, Hoj CH, Hove T, Mukaratirwa S.. Ecto-, endo- and haemoparasites
in free-range chickens in the Goromonzi District in Zimbabwe
(http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=Cnemidocoptes+gallinae) Prev Vet Med.
(2002)
22Perrucci, S., et al Therapeutic efficacy of a thyme essential oil for the control of
knemidocoptes mite infestation in the budgerigar.. Selezione Veterinaria (1997)
Good Overviews
1Gary D. Butcher and Curtis Beck Knemidokiptic Mange in Pet Birds: Scaly Face and Scaly
Leg Disease. (https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/vm022) University of Florida IFAS Extension (2012)
2ANR Publication 8162 Common Lice and Mites of Poultry: Identification and Treatment.
(http://anrcatalog.ucdavis.edu/pdf/8162.pdf) University of California (2005)
Blogs
1Knemidokoptessp.. (https://www.veterinaryparasitology.com/knemidokoptes.html)
The Monster Hunter's Guide to Veterinary Parasitology
(http://www.poultrydvm.com/assets/img/photos/chickens/symptoms/fee/scaly/1.jpg)
(http://www.poultrydvm.com/cases/32/13.jpg)
Age Range
More likely to occur in older birds.

Risk Factors
Increased age
Feather-legged chicken breeds are more susceptible.
Recent relocation to a new environment.
High populations of wild birds
Injured, sick, stressed or malnourished birds
Overcrowing
Case Stories
(/cases/chook-norris)
(/cases/charlie)
Etiology
Knemidocoptes mutans (/pathogens/knemidocoptes-mutans)
Also Consider
Biotin deficiency (/condition/biotin-deficiency)

Bumblefoot (/condition/bumblefoot)
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11/9/21, 4:43 PM Scaly leg mite infestation in Chickens

Scaly Leg Mite Infestation

Clinical Signs of Scaly Leg Mites in Chickens

Transmission of Scaly Leg Mites

Treatment of Scaly Leg Mites in Chickens

(http://amzn.to/2Dh (http://amzn.to/2EI (http://amzn.to/2FM

(https://amzn.to/3d (http://amzn.to/2Dm (https://amzn.to/3b

 ()Prevent contact with wild birds

Prognosis Scientific References

More likely to occur in older birds.

Knemidocoptes mutans (/pathogens/knemidocoptes-mutans)

Biotin deficiency (/condition/biotin-deficiency)

© AnimalDVM, LLC. 2021 All Rights Reserved.

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