Where Do Mites Affecting Turkeys Come From?

Understanding the Source of Turkey Mites

Turkey mites are a nuisance that can affect backyard and commercial flocks. Knowing where these mites originate from is key to controlling infestations. Turkey mites typically come from other infected birds, rodents, or the environment. With vigilance and proper treatment, turkey owners can limit the spread of mites.

Mites Found on Turkeys

Several types of mites may be found on domestic turkeys:

• Northern Fowl Mites - Most common mite on turkeys and chickens. Remain on the host bird.
• Scaly Leg Mites - Burrow under the leg scales causing crusty, swollen legs.
• Feather Mites - Feed on skin oils and debris in the feather follicles.
• Chiggers - Microscopic larvae in vegetation that bite birds and humans.
• Red Mites - Temporary parasites that hide in coops and emerge to feed.

Mites cause irritation, feather damage, skin lesions, and declines in egg production. An integrated pest management approach can control mite infestations.

Where Mites Originate From

Mites have several potential sources:

• Infected poultry - Mites easily spread to new hosts through contact.
• Rodents - Mice and rats can transfer mites to coops and birds.
• Wild birds - Migratory waterfowl may carry mites between flocks.
• Shared equipment - Using tools in multiple coops spreads mites.
• Personnel - Workers can inadvertently move mites between flocks via clothing.
• New birds - Adding infected replacement birds introduces mites.
• Vegetation - Chiggers reside in tall grass and weeds.

Mites can also survive for several months in empty coops between flocks. Proper sanitation between grow outs helps eliminate this source.

Preventing Mite Introductions

To avoid bringing mites into your flock:

• Quarantine and treat any new birds before introduction.
• Avoid sharing tools, equipment, clothing, crates, and vehicles between properties.
• Control rodents and wild birds around coops.
• Purchase birds only from reputable sources with biosecurity measures.
• Sanitize the coop thoroughly between flocks.
• Allow the coop to sit empty for 2-3 weeks between groups.
• Isolate any birds returning from shows for 2-3 weeks.
• Mow and clear vegetation away from coops.

By minimizing outside introductions, you can help keep your flock mite-free. Be especially vigilant when bringing in new birds or after off-site exhibitions.

Recognizing a Mite Infestation

Watch for these signs of mites in your flock:

• Excessive preening, feather pulling, and skin irritation
• Scabs or scaly skin lesions
• Small black insects visible on skin and feathers
• Crusty, swollen legs (scaly leg mites)
• Decline in growth rates or egg production
• Anemia from blood-feeding mites
• Birds avoiding roosting in coops

Check birds closely under wings, around vents, and on skin for crawling mites. Isolate and treat any infested birds immediately.

Controlling Mite Populations

To eliminate an existing mite problem:

• Isolate and treat infested birds with insecticides or medicated shampoo.
• Apply insecticides directly to coops, roosts, and litter.
• Remove wild bird nests and rodents from in and around the coop.
• Clean the coop thoroughly between flocks.
• Conduct frequent flock inspections to identify and isolate infested birds.
• Rotate insecticide classes to prevent resistance.
• Treat the entire flock simultaneously for best results.

Chemical control may need to be combined with coop disinfection or temporary depopulation to clear heavy infestations. Never bring untreated birds to shows or sales.

Insecticide Options for Mites

Various spray, dust, and topical insecticide products can eliminate mites. Common active ingredients include:

• Pyrethrins - Derived from chrysanthemum flowers, low toxicity.
• Permethrin - Synthetic pyrethroid, long-lasting residual activity.
• Ivermectin - Antiparasitic drug, given orally or topically.
• Spinosad - Natural insecticide made by soil bacteria.
• Carbaryl - Older carbamate insecticide, moderate toxicity.

Rotate between different chemical classes every 2-3 flocks to prevent mites from developing resistance. Read all product labels thoroughly and follow directions.

Natural Options for Mite Control

Some natural options can help reduce mites as part of an integrated program:

• Diatomaceous earth - Microscopic silica dust dehydrates mites.
• Garlic/onion juice - Acts as a natural insect repellent.
• Essential oils - Oils like thyme, tea tree, and neem deter mites.
• Garlic powder feed additive - Imparts odor to make birds less attractive.
• Predatory mites - Special mites eat poultry mites but not birds.
• Vegetable oil sprays - Coats and suffocates mites.

While these options may help, insecticides are usually still needed to fully eliminate heavy infestations. Always monitor flocks closely when trying natural remedies alone.

Preventing Mites in Backyard Flocks

For small backyard flocks, focus on prevention:

• Quarantine new birds for 30 days before introducing them.
• Isolate birds returning from shows or other properties.
• Avoid sharing items between flocks.
• Coop new birds on clean, bare earth.
• Keep grass, weeds, and debris away from the coop.
• Use insecticides/acaricides approved for backyard poultry.
• Check for mites during regular flock health exams.
• Treat birds promptly at first sign of mites.

For small flocks, mites often come from new bird introductions. Careful quarantining and biosecurity can help exclude mites.

Mite Prevention in Commercial Operations

Commercial turkey farms require rigorous biosecurity to exclude mites:

• All-in, all-out production by barn.
• Thorough cleaning and disinfection between flocks.
• At least 2 weeks of downtime between flocks.
• Barn-specific coveralls and footwear.
• No sharing of equipment or vehicles between barns.
• Perimeter rodent control.
• Quarantining and testing incoming birds.
• Fallow periods for land between ranges.
• Routine flock inspection and monitoring.

Chemical control options are also rotated frequently to prevent resistance. Despite rigorous efforts, mites can still occasionally enter and spread on commercial operations.

Treatment for Mite Bites on Humans

Mites can occasionally bite humans working with poultry flocks. To treat mite bites:

• Wash bites thoroughly with soap and water.
• Apply antiseptic ointment like polysporin to bites.
• Take antihistamines like Benadryl to reduce itching.
• Apply hydrocortisone cream to lessen inflammation.
• Avoid scratching bites to prevent infection.
• Treat clothing and skin with permethrin sprays.
• Shower immediately after working with infested birds.

See a doctor for severe reactions to bites or signs of secondary infection. Promptly treating infested birds controls the mite population and limits bites.

Controlling Mites Through Vigilance

Mite infestations have many potential sources on poultry operations. Diligent monitoring, biosecurity measures, and integrated treatments can limit mite introduction and spread. Paying close attention to where mites originate from is key for protecting both birds and workers.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.