Knemidokoptes
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Knemidokoptes |
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| Fürstenberg , 1870 |
Knemidokoptes (Syn. Knemidocoptes Oudemans 1898) is a genus of mites with at least four species.
Knemidokoptes pilae and Knemidokoptes mutans are known as "limestone mites" and are the causative agents of the Knemidokoptesräude . It is an ectoparasitosis thatis widespread worldwidein domestic fowl , pet birds and wild birds.
features
Adult female mites are approximately 0.4 × 0.3 mm in size. The development cycle (embryonated eggs, larva, nymph stage) lasts three to four weeks. The mites live in the upper skin ( epidermis ) and trigger corneal growths ( hyperkeratosis ) there.
Systematics
The genus used to be in the Knemidokoptidae family , which is now considered a subfamily of the Epidermoptidae . In the superfamily Analgoidea , to which this family belongs, there are numerous other families of mites whose species parasitize on and in the skin, feathers and fur of vertebrates .
Limestone mite infestation in chickens
The female limestone mites use their mouthparts to create ducts in the scaly layers of the epidermis on the legs and feet. These corridors are used to lay eggs and thus the mites to multiply. Since up to 50 eggs per limb mite can be laid in a period of around 3 to 6 weeks, the infection rate within the same environment is significant.
Naming & recognition
The limestone mite bears its name because the legs and feet of the chickens look like lime when infected. The cause of this special texture are excretions from the mites, loose skin flakes and damaged skin layers. The typical limestone legs emerge. The following characteristics may be signs of limestone mildew infestation:
- Flaky skin on legs and feet,
- Gray-yellow growths on the feet,
- protruding cuticle,
- Behavioral problems caused by the itching.
Symptoms
- Irritation of the skin of the legs and feet
- Skin inflammation on the chicken legs and feet
- Severe itching
treatment
If you suspect calf leg mites, a veterinarian should be contacted immediately.
The following measures can limit the spread of the infestation:
- Separate limestones and contacts from healthy animals,
- Thorough cleaning and disinfection of the chicken coop, laying nests, enclosures and accessories,
- Treatment of the calcareous bones and the contacts.
Individual evidence
- ↑ Knemidokoptes Fürstenberg 1870 ( page no longer available , search in web archives ) Info: The link was automatically marked as defective. Please check the link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. in the Australian Faunal Directory
- ↑ N. Kummerfeld: Mange mites. In: EF Kaleta, M.-E. Krautwald-Junghans (Ed.): Compendium of the ornamental bird diseases. Verlag Schlütersche, Hannover 1999, ISBN 3-87706-535-X , pp. 210-212.
- ↑ GW Krantz and DE Walter (Eds.): A Manual of Acarology . Third Edition, Texas Tech University Press, 2009
- ↑ Limestone bones and limestone mites in chickens - huehnerhaltung.org
