Feather Mite Species Found for First Time in Norwegian Backyard Poultry
NORWAY - The Norwegian Veterinary Institute has detected Megninia species of feather mites in a backyard rooster.
5 October 2015
2 minute read
By: The species have previously been detected in hobby poultry in Sweden, but it is the first time they have been found in Norway.
Megninia feather mites infect a wide variety of bird species and can cause symptoms such as itching, feather pecking, dermatitis and decrease in egg production. It is spread by direct contact between birds and can have major economic and animal welfare implications, particularly in commercial poultry.
Megninia feather mites are small (less than 1 mm long) greyish-white feather mites.
They appear like dust or dandruff - by ruffling feathers in birds over a dark surface, dust that moves on the substrate could be a sign of infection with Megninia species.
