Scaly Face Mite (or Burrowing Mites) are most common in budgerigars, but many bird species are susceptible. The mite burrows in, feeding on keratin. They leave characteristic honeycomb lesions as they burrow deeper into the tissue around the cere. Eventually, they make their way down the beak, affecting not only the beak but the cere and the eyelids. They also attack the legs and feet of the bird. In really severe cases, the bird’s vent can be infested. The damage it causes to the tissue can be extremely painful. If left untreated these burrowing mites will cause severe deformities of the beak, to the point that eating and drinking become very difficult and birds can actually starve to death.
Burrowing mites are harmless to humans, so there is no risk of an infection to us, however the mites are highly contagious to birds and any infection must be contained! You can only do this by treating all the birds in your aviary. Vetafarm’s Avimec is a highly effective treatment against Scaly Face Mite and is simple to administer. Treating this mite may require patience, and multiple treatments over time, depending on the condition of the bird and severity of the infestation. It can be as simple as applying Avimec and keeping on track with treatments – if you do this you’ll subdue this despicable mite with little hassle. These mites only live on the body, so it is not necessary to treat the cage with a mite spray.
Birds less than 30g body weight apply 1 drop, Birds between 30-100g body weights apply 2 drops.
Repeat application weekly for three doses.
Place drops on an unfeathered area of skin.
Treat all birds in the aviary.
Full recovery may take up to 6 weeks.
Storage
Store below 25°C (air conditioning)
Expiry
18 months from the date of manufacture
