982 Other Mites in the Domestic Animals. 



shot were imbedded under the skin. If no treatment is undertaken the 

 birds die in large numbers. 



Literature. Carre, Bull., 1909, 172.— GalliA'alerio, Cbl. f. Bak., 1909, L, 

 (Orig.). 189. 



6. Varieties of Trombidium. Of these the following occur in birds: 

 Harpirhynchus nidulans, which lives in the feather bulbs or in nodules and in 

 little cysts of the skin, and may generally be found there in large numbers. 



Syringophilus bipeetinatus, which is parasitic on chickens and pigeons, and 

 Syringophilus uncinatus which lives on peacocks; it lodges within the quills of the 

 feathers; the feathers become lusterless and stunted, the quills lose their transparency 

 and contain in the center a yellowish gray dust-like mass, in which very many mites 

 are visible under the microscope; the affected feathers finally fall out. 



Analges varieties or feather mites are similar to mange mites, and live in the 

 plumage of the feathers as well as the quills, exceptionally also in the subcutaneous 

 connective tissue; they are either quite harmless or cause hardening of the feathers, 

 and at times emaciation of the birds. They cause changes in the feathers similar 

 to those brought about by the syringophilus varieties. 



Treatment. For the purpose of removing parasites from 

 the bodies of the birds sufficient sand or a mixture of sand and 

 ash must be provided in order that the birds can bathe in it at 

 will (to the sand ash mixture 2 to 57o of flowers of sulphur 

 may be added or finely powdered aniseed or parsley seed). 

 Besides, the bodies of the birds may be sprinkled freely with 

 remedies which have an intense odor and an anti-parasitic 

 action. Peruvian balsam and styrax (in 20 to 30 parts of 

 alcohol), also fennel, aniseed or rosemary oil (diluted with 

 20 to 50 parts of water or oil, especially for small birds) are 

 appropriate for this purpose. Finally insufflation of flowers 

 of sulphur or pyrethrum powder between the feathers may be 

 recommended, the bases of the feathers being previously 

 smeared with a little soap in order that the powder may adhere 

 better and the insect powder act more energetically. The 

 autumn grass mite has been removed by Liebert by means of 

 bathing the animals once with 1% lysol solution. According 

 to Carre the larvjie of Argas persicus are easily removed by 

 painting with oil of turpentine or kerosene. 



Since the enumerated ectoparasites mostly exist outside 

 of the animal body in chicken houses, cages, pigeon cotes, etc., 

 and many only attack the birds at night, a thorough cleaning and 

 disinfection of the abodes and removal of coops and birds' nests 

 from the cow l)arns and horse stables are necessary for the de- 

 struction of the mites. The walls are scraped, the wooden parts 

 planed and washed with hot water or hot sodium lye, or are 

 scorched. After all crevices in the walls haye been stopped up 

 or done away with, the walls are lime-washed with milk of lime, 

 calcium chloride, or a mixture of lime and creolin, and lime 

 is sprinkled on the floor of the barn. The development of chlo- 

 rine or formalin vapors may also be considered. Bird cages are 

 best scalded, but in case of necessity they must be burnt. It is 

 also well to wrap the ends of the perches with tarred tow; paint 

 hollow roosts with anti-parasitic fluid; supply the roosts in 



