Infestation of research zebra finch colony with 2 novel mite species.
A zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata) housed in a neuroscience laboratory was observed to have numerous feather mites. Subsequently, similar mites were found on other birds in the animal facility and research space. The most abundant mite was a novel, undescribed species in the genus Neocheyletiella. Whereas known Neocheyletiella mites have previously been characterized as skin parasites of various birds worldwide, the species on the zebra finches is unique because it lives and builds nests in the feathers. Infrequent specimens of a 'true' feather mite, a new species of Megninialges, were present also. Although multiple treatments using a pyrethrin spray were effective in eradicating the mites, topical ivermectin later was found to be more efficacious, better tolerated by the birds, and less labor intensive. This case highlights the general dearth of information regarding ectoparasites in zebra finches, even though these are the most frequently used songbirds in biomedical research. The mite epizootic also underscores the diverse pathogens possible in zebra finches that arrive from outside sources and why ongoing health monitoring of finch colonies is warranted.
Division of Comparative Medicine, Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.
Monica
M
Siddalls
Professor Michale Fee Laboratory, Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.
Timothy A
TA
Currier
Division of Comparative Medicine, Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.
Jassia
J
Pang
Division of Comparative Medicine, Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.
Kvin
K
Lertpiriyapong
Division of Comparative Medicine, Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. mmpatt@mit.edu.
Mary M
MM
Patterson
D000818:Animals; D000830:Animals, Laboratory; D000977:Antiparasitic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001715:Bird Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000469:parasitology*; D004196:Disease Outbreaks / Q000662:veterinary*; D005241:Feathers / Q000469:parasitology; D046369:Finches; D007559:Ivermectin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008404:Massachusetts; D008924:Mite Infestations / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D011722:Pyrethrins / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013045:Species Specificity
D000977:Antiparasitic Agents; D011722:Pyrethrins; D007559:Ivermectin