Welcome to another edition of Talk to the Vet, your favourite column where we discuss, share and unpack all things that have to do with animal healthcare. 

Today, we are going to discuss the Scaly Leg Mite condition, which predominantly affects birds. 

This is a condition caused by a mite, called Knemidocoptes Mutans, also known as the Scaly Leg Mite, which burrows under the skin of birds’ legs and feet to feed on the keratin. 

The mite is invisible to the naked eye, digging tunnels, eating their skin, laying eggs and leaving droppings. 

It spends its entire 10 to 14-day life cycle on the affected bird. 

The tunnelling causes irritation and the leg scales become thickened, as the keratin seeps from the leg tissue, eventually becoming encrusted and lifting away from the leg. 

The affected legs will appear lumpy, with large gaps visible between the individual scales. 

This is generally not considered a painful condition, but it can cause discomfort. 

Left untreated, feet and leg scales become raised, resulting in lameness. 

Birds eventually stop feeding, and death can result after several months.

Control: As per the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) precautions, affected birds should be culled or isolated, and housing should be disinfected and sprayed frequently with pesticides. 

Treatment: Note that these home remedy treatments are not intended to offer a cure or replace veterinary treatment, but may alleviate symptoms where no professional support is easily available.

Dissolve Epsom salt in warm water, and soak chicken feet. 

After soaking, apply a thick coat of Vaseline on the chicken feet. 

Do this daily until symptoms are alleviated. Vaseline will suffocate the mites and soften the scales. 

It will also loosen the scales, which may then shed revealing pink healthy tissue underneath. 

Please note that officially, any petroleum-based product is considered toxic to poultry, but this product has been used by veterinary staff, volunteers and supporters routinely with no ill-effects. 

Acrisulph in the place of Vaseline is even better.

Mild disinfectant (Savlon or Hibiscrub): Bathing the legs with a mild disinfectant can be beneficial, but will need to be repeated daily for several weeks. 

Methylated spirits: officially, the veterinary recommended treatment is to stand the chicken in methylated spirit – but given that the underlying skin may be very sore, we do not consider this a welfare-friendly solution. Therefore, we do not recommend it. For further treatment options, and to the disposal of your veterinarian, individual birds should be treated with oral or topical ivermectin or moxidectin (0.2 mg/kg), 10% sulphur solution, or 0.5% sodium fluoride.

Please note:

The mite is spread by direct contact between birds. Check all birds on a regular basis.

It is initially introduced by wild birds, rodents or new flock members. New scales may take some time to grow back, but no lasting damage should be done to the well-being of a hen. It is worth noting that damaged scales need to be shed in the same way that feathers are moulted, allowing regrowth. 

This takes time, and the legs will look abnormal long after the mites have been killed. 

NB! Do not be tempted to pick off any damaged scales, as the legs may bleed.

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