Recognizing & Treating Scaly Leg Mites in Chickens
GUSTAV Mite Stop®
is an excellent aid against scaly leg mites:
Simply apply evenly to the affected chicken legs with a brush. The oil-based phase forms a protective barrier on the skin and penetrates even the smallest skin cracks, allowing the nourishing effect to unfold optimally, and the mites die immediately upon contact.
The application should be observed and repeated every 4–5 days over a period of 2–4 weeks.
Scaly Leg Mites in Chickens (Knemidocoptes mutans)
The scaly leg mite (Knemidocoptes mutans) is a microscopic burrowing mite from the family Epidermoptidae. It exclusively infests the unfeathered leg areas of chickens and other poultry species.
Symptoms
The mites burrow under the horn scales of the legs, causing chronic inflammatory reactions. This leads to the typical appearance of so-called scaly leg mange: the scales lift, the legs appear thickened, cracked, and covered with a whitish, chalky deposit. In advanced cases, toe joints can become deformed and lameness may occur.
Transmission
Transmission occurs through direct animal contact, especially when living in close proximity in the coop. The life cycle takes place entirely on the host and lasts about 10–14 days.
Importance for animal health
Although rarely life-threatening, an untreated infestation significantly impairs the well-being of the animals and can lead to behavioral changes, reduced performance, and secondary infections.
