Poultry Scaly-Leg Mites Study Guide
Overview and Clinical Importance
Knemidocoptic mange (also known as scaly leg disease or knemidocoptiasis) is a parasitic skin condition caused by burrowing mites of the genus Knemidocoptes. These sarcoptiform mites are significant ectoparasites of poultry and other domestic birds, particularly prevalent in backyard and free-range flocks. The two primary species affecting poultry are Knemidocoptes mutans (scaly leg mite) and Knemidocoptes gallinae (depluming mite). Understanding these parasites is essential for NAVLE success as they represent a common board-tested ectoparasite affecting production and pet poultry.
Etiology and Taxonomy
Knemidocoptes (also spelled Knemidokoptes or Cnemidocoptes) belongs to the class Arachnida, subclass Acari, order Sarcoptiformes, suborder Astigmata, family Epidermoptidae. These mites are taxonomically similar to Sarcoptes scabiei (the cause of sarcoptic mange in mammals), though birds typically lack the intense pruritus seen with scabies.
Knemidocoptes Species Comparison
Life Cycle
The complete life cycle of Knemidocoptes mites occurs entirely on the host bird and takes approximately 10-21 days to complete. Females are viviparous, meaning they give birth to live larvae rather than laying eggs. The life cycle progresses through the following stages:
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