220 DISEASES OF DOMESTICATED BIRDS 
The mites may be observed on the stumps of broken off quills or of 
feathers drawn from the border of the bald area. The irritation set 
up by the mites at the root of the feathers often causes the bird to 
pluck its feathers, or even sets up the habit of pulling the feathers 
of other birds. 
The skin is generally normal in appearance but occasionally ap- 
pears red and nodular. In severe cases, egg laying may be inter- 
fered with, and the birds become emaciated and die. 
Treatment. Treatment consists in the repeated application of 
essentially the same remedies as recommended for scaly leg, such as 
sulphur ointment. Salmon recommends two liquid preparations, a 
solution of balsam of Peru in aleohol (1:3) or a mixture of cre- 
olin, 1 dram; glycerine, 2 ounces; alcohol and water, % ounce each. 
Schleg’s solution has been recommended for treatment. This con- 
sists of white arsenic and potassium carbonate each 1 dram, 3 pints 
of water and 3 pints of vinegar. 
OTHER MITES AFFECTING SKIN AND FEATHERS 
The mites Epidermoptes bilobatus and Epidermoptes bifurcatus 
have been found associated with a form of scabies affecting the skin. 
The beginning of the infestation is indicated by the appearance of 
fine yellowish scales which eventually develop into thickened brown- 
ish crusts. The parasite in question is frequently found on birds 
without the presence of lesions, so their presence in a lesion does 
not necessarily indicate that they .are the cause. Treatment is 
similar to that suggested for scaly leg and depluming scabies. 
Other mites parasitic upon the skin and feathers and of less eco- 
nomic importance are listed by Neumann as follows: On the fowl, 
Pterolichus obtusus, Dermaglyphus minor, D. elongatus, Megninia 
cubitalis and M. columbe; on the turkey, Freyana chanayi, D. 
minor and M. cubitalis; on the guinea-fowl, D. minor and D. va- 
rians ; on the pheasant, P. obtusus, P. uncinatus, M. cubitalis and M. 
ginglymura; on the peafowl, M. cubitalis and M. ginglymura; on the 
pigeon, Falculifer rostratus, F. cornutus, M. columbe, Analges bifidus 
and Pterophagus strictus ; on the goose and swan, F’. anserina; on the 
duck, F'. anatina and M. velata. 
OTHER PARASITIC MITES 
Mites parasitic in parts of the body other than the skin, occur 
in the nasal cavities, air sacs and connective tissue. These are dis- 
cussed in Chapter XVI. 
