Margaret A. Wissman, D.V.M., D.A.B.V.P.
www.exoticpetvet.net
The most commonly encountered mite is the scaly face mange mite of budgerigars, called Knemidokoptes pilae. It is found on the cere (that fleshy portion of skin over the beak where the nostrils are situated), the skin around the beak, around the vent and also on the legs. This mite burrows in the skin, causing a powdery appearance to the skin, and if you look closely, you will see a honey-comb pattern of holes in the skin, representing burrows and tunnels caused by the mites. These lesions are usually not itchy. ...
Diagnosis is usually confirmed by skin scrapings performed in a veterinary office, and then examined under a microscope. Older remedies included applying mineral oil or ointment to the lesions, to suffocate the mites living under the skin. Treatment of choice is the administration of ivermectin, either by injection, orally or topically. This should be administered by an avian veterinarian, based on the precise weight (in grams) of an infested bird, dosed carefully after calculation of the exact amount of medication necessary. Treatment should be repeated at 7-10 day intervals for at least 3-4 treatments. If the mites have deformed the beak, it may need to be trimmed by a vet, as well. Although these mites are not thought to be easily contagious, it is best to treat all birds in the cage with an infested bird. The mites cannot live off of the bird and they cannot cause problems in humans or other species of animals.