Birds air sac mites: What they are and how to treat
Birds air sac mites, particularly the Knemidokoptes species, are a common parasitic problem in pet birds, particularly in species such as canaries, finches, and budgerigars. These mites infest the respiratory system of birds, causing various health issues. Here is a description of air sac mites and how they can be treated:
- Description of Birds Air Sac Mites
- Diagnosis of Birds air sac mites
- Treatment and Cures
- Prevention of Birds air sac mites
- When to See a Vet
- Birds air sac mites Further reading from Connie Soto
- What are the signs that point to air sac mites?
- Explain a little about the lungs of the bird?
- Which birds are more prone to air sac mites?
- Where do birds air sac mites live?
- How often does it reoccur?
- What do you use to control air sac mites?
- What ingredient actually kills the air sac mites?
- Will my bird live if I treat it for air sac mites?
Description of Birds Air Sac Mites
- Lifecycle:
- Air sac mites have a lifecycle that includes eggs, larvae, nymphs, and adult stages.
- They primarily live in the bird’s respiratory system, including the trachea, bronchi, and air sacs.
- Symptoms:
- Respiratory Distress: Birds may exhibit labored breathing, wheezing, or clicking sounds.
- Voice Changes: A change or loss of voice due to mites affecting the syrinx (voice box).
- Sneezing and Coughing: Frequent sneezing or coughing can occur.
- Tail Bobbing: The tail may move up and down with each breath.
- Lethargy: Birds may become less active and appear weak or tired.
- Weight Loss: Due to difficulty eating and breathing simultaneously.
- Open-Mouth Breathing: Birds may breathe with their mouths open, especially after exertion.
- Transmission:
- Air sac mites are contagious and can be spread through direct contact with infected birds or contaminated environments.
Diagnosis of Birds air sac mites
- Veterinary Examination: A vet will typically perform a physical examination and may use an endoscope to look inside the bird’s respiratory tract.
- Tracheal Swabs: Swabs may be taken from the bird’s trachea to identify the presence of mites.
Treatment and Cures
- Medication:
- Ivermectin: A common treatment, Ivermectin can be administered orally, topically, or by injection. It is effective against a wide range of parasites, including mites.
- Moxidectin: Similar to Ivermectin, it can be used to treat mites and is often used in water treatments.
- Environmental Control:
- Isolation: Infected birds should be isolated to prevent the spread to other birds.
- Cleaning: Thoroughly clean and disinfect the bird’s cage, perches, toys, and surrounding areas to remove any mite eggs or larvae.
- Air Quality: Ensure proper ventilation and air quality in the bird’s environment to aid recovery.
- Supportive Care:
- Nutrition: Provide a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals to support the bird’s immune system.
- Hydration: Ensure the bird has access to fresh, clean water at all times.
Prevention of Birds air sac mites
- Quarantine New Birds: Always quarantine new birds before introducing them to existing birds to prevent the spread of mites and other diseases.
- Regular Health Checks: Routine veterinary check-ups can help detect and treat infestations early.
- Good Hygiene Practices: Maintain a clean and hygienic environment to reduce the risk of mite infestations.
When to See a Vet
- If you suspect your bird has air sac mites or is showing signs of respiratory distress, consult with a veterinarian immediately. Prompt treatment is essential to prevent serious complications and improve the bird’s quality of life.
By following these guidelines and working closely with a veterinarian, air sac mites can be effectively treated and managed, ensuring the health and well-being of your pet birds.
Birds air sac mites Further reading from Connie Soto
How do my birds get air sac mites?
The mite moves from bird to bird through direct contact with an infected bird through the nasal passage. In cases of parents and their young, they transmit upon feeding their young. Courtship feeding is another way to transmit the mite. Contaminated water is another source of transmission.
What are the signs that point to air sac mites?
A bird that bobs its tail, one who makes a wheezing sound or clicking noise, sneezes, coughs, or breathes with its mouth open, rubbing its beak on the perch often is all signs of air sac mites. A fluffed-up appearance means a bird is trying to conserve their body heat. If your bird is listless or fluffed up a hospital cage that provides a light bulb for extra heat is the first line of defense. Cover the hospital cage to keep in the heat.
Explain a little about the lungs of the bird?
A bird has a set of lungs which 9 are air sacs and the birds have a high metabolic rate. The air sacs have thin walls and very few blood vessels. So when the bird is infested with air sac mites it takes a lot of its energy to maintain itself.
Which birds are more prone to air sac mites?
Canaries and finches are more prone to air sac mites.
Where do birds air sac mites live?
They live in the respiratory tract of the birds and sometimes can be dormant. That means that when a bird is vulnerable it can quickly spread throughout the flock when the environment is just right which might take us by surprise. Quick action is necessary in these cases.
What happens to my bird if it becomes infected with air sac mites?
Suffocation is the biggest threat to your birds if it is infected with air sac mites. A mite causes a mucus coating and causes the inability of the bird to breathe. Body movement is an important indicator because the bird tries to bring more air into the lungs and tail bobbing is a strong symptom.
How long does it take for the cycle to complete in air sac mites?
The life cycle takes only six days to complete its cycle.
How often does it reoccur?
The problem with air sac mites is that they can remain dormant causing eruptions at any time. Regular applications are important to keep them under control so that they do not cause suffocation.
What do you use to control air sac mites?
I personally use SCATT to keep air sac mites under control. Other folks swear by S76 which I do not feel is as effective for my birds.
What ingredient actually kills the air sac mites?
The active ingredient is Moxidectin which is harmless to the bird as birds do not have the same needs as the mite.
Will my bird live if I treat it for air sac mites?
Not always will your bird survive when you do a treatment of SCATT. If you treat a heavily infected bird the lungs fill up with dead mites causing the demise of the bird. It is important to treat early and routinely so that it will not obstruct the airways causing asphyxiation.
This is a difficult but common problem with canaries and finches and I wish you luck in the prevention and eradication of this infestation.
Here is a post if you are interested in breeding canaries as well as Canaries for beginners.
We have a wide range of herbs for birds on Boegie Store to build up your birds immune system.
