Bird Mite Infestation

Mites in the genus Dermanyssus are external parasites of birds, rodents and other mammals. The most common member of this group is the Chicken Mite that infests poultry roosts and wild bird nests. The chicken mite feeds primarily at night when the birds return the nest or roast area. They hide during the day in nearby cracks, crevices and other protected sites. These mites are known to infest homes and bite people when bird nests are built on homes. Repeated bites can result in a rash and intense itching. Adult mites can live four or five months or so without a blood meal and they can persist in the home after the source has been removed. Control of these parasites in homes begins with locating and removing the source of the infestation. If the residence has a history of rodent problems, measures must be taken to reduce the rodent population. Another source may be pet rodents like gerbils or hamsters. Dermanyssus galinae  is commonly found on chickens but all feeds on other domestic and wild birds. They can actually migrate from a bird's nest and invade a home. Along with chickens, they are commonly found on pigeons, sparrows and starlings, all species that will nest on buildings. Affected individuals may develop either widespread or localized pruritic papules, at times with a hemorrhagic center, vesicles, or Eczematous dermatitis on exposed skin or intertriginous areas. Examples of reponsible mites include Ornithinyssus sylviarum and Dermanyssus gallinae. Differential Diagnosis is Quite broad, because of the range of clinical appearances in different patients. Some key notes on diagnosis include Intensely itchy, localized or generalized, eruption manifest as papules, vesicles, or Eczema -like eruption of an adult or child. More than one member of the household may be affected. Rash usually unresponsive to prior attempts at therapy by the patient or physician. Solicit a thorough history, with emphasis on possible sources of infestation, e.g. bird nests of eaves, windows, air conditioners, vents, attic, etc., or domestic pets, such as exotic birds, gerbils or mice. The northern fowl mite lives on some domestic birds as well as many species of wild birds.  It is commonly found on chickens, sparrows and pigeons.  When a bird dies or leaves the nest, the fowl mites will find their way inside a building and bite the inhabitants.  This can be particularly troublesome of the birds are nesting in an attic.