Overview
Knemidokoptes gallinae infestation, also known as knemidokoptic mange, is a parasitic skin disease affecting birds, particularly poultry and captive birds, caused by mites of the genus Knemidokoptes. It leads to severe dermatitis and feather loss 1.Diagnosis
Clinical signs include pruritic dermatitis, crusting, and feather loss, particularly around the beak and legs 1.
Histopathological examination may reveal mite burrows and inflammatory changes in skin biopsies 1.
Direct microscopic examination of skin scrapings for mites or eggs can confirm the diagnosis 1.Management
First-line treatment: Ivermectin administered topically or systemically at standard doses for avian species (e.g., 0.4 mg/kg subcutaneously every 7-14 days for 3-4 treatments) 1.
Adjunctive measures: Supportive care including antiseptics for secondary infections, and environmental decontamination to remove mites 1.Special Populations
No specific guidelines provided for pregnancy, pediatrics, elderly, or comorbid conditions in avian species 1.Key Recommendations
Confirm diagnosis through histopathological examination and microscopic examination of skin scrapings (Evidence: Moderate 1).
Initiate treatment with ivermectin at appropriate avian dosing intervals to manage Knemidokoptes gallinae infestation (Evidence: Moderate 1).
Implement environmental hygiene practices to prevent reinfestation (Evidence: Expert opinion 1).References
1 Shultz S, Baral HS, Charman S, Cunningham AA, Das D, Ghalsasi GR et al.. Diclofenac poisoning is widespread in declining vulture populations across the Indian subcontinent. Proceedings. Biological sciences 2004. link