The air sac mite that severely affects the Gouldian Finch and other species causes respiratory distress and death.
The mite lives and reproduces on the surface of the respiratory tract with the complete life cycle of the mite being 14 to 21 days.
Transmission of the mite occurs through direct contact via the oral route commonly when infested adult birds feed regurgitated food to young nestlings. Another method of transmission occurs during courtship behaviour when males feed females. Transmission can also occur through contaminated water. Clinical signs are mouth breathing with a characteristic clicking sound. Also loss of voice, coughing, nasal discharge, tail bobbing with weakness and weight loss. Treatment is with Vetafarm SCATT by placing a drop of SCATT on the back of the neck of the bird.

VETAFARM SCATT.
SCALY FACE AND AIR SAC MITE TREATMENT.
SCATT is based on a drug called Moxidectin. This drug kills mite by interfering with the transmission of nerve impulses in the mite causing its paralysis and death. Birds, like mammals do not have the same nerve transmission system as mites so the drug is harmless to them. There is quite a residual action of this treatment so that re-treatments are done once every three weeks if necessary.
By incorporating the chemical in a base that is absorbed through the skin, it is possible to medicate the bird simply by application to the skin. Simply part the feathers on the back, between the wings, and place a drop of liquid on the skin. The liquid will be absorbed into the birds bloodstream where it is carried to the mite.
It is important to treat all the birds in an aviary when commencing a preventative programme. For aviaries of canaries and Gouldians, 3 monthly re-treatments are necessary to keep the birds free of air sac mite. Budgies suffering from Scaly Mite, should be clean after two or three treatments spaced 3 months apart.
Remember to treat all new arrivals and to retreat any bird that has been out of the aviary and in contact with other birds ( loans, shows etc. ). Then spray the environment with AVIAN INSECT LIQUIDATOR.

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