Invasion of Red Mite (Dermanyssus gallinae) As a Cause of Foot Self-Mutilation in a Laying

Received: Revised: Accepted: Published online: August 02, 2016 January 06, 2017 January 08, 2017 March 11, 2017 This case report describes Dermanyssus gallinae infestation as a cause of foot selfmutilation in a laying hen (Gallus gallus) flock. The wounds were observed on one or both feet on the dorsal part of the metatarsus and third digit. Some birds have severe lesions the tendon and muscle were damaged, and the bone of the digit was visible. The high number of red mites on the dead birds and in the poultry house was noted. The warm summer and high temperatures (30C) were optimal for red mite development, leading to their high numbers in the environment. The observations suggest that during the examination of foot injuries in birds, selfmutilation caused by red mite invasion should be considered as a possible cause, in addition to pododermatitis and scabies.