Inhabitants of avian skin with special reference to ectoparasitic infestations and diseases of poultry skin

Abstract

SynopsisEctoparasites of poultry in the United Kingdom are reviewed. Mention is made of poultry ectoparasites occurring in other parts of the world and of some ectoparasites of British birds. In south west Scotland ectoparasite infestations appear to have decreased following the intensification of the poultry industry. Occasional outbreaks of Dermanyssus gallinae, the red mite and Ceratophyllus gallinae, the hen flea have occurred in modern poultry units. Cases of louse infestation with Menacanthus stramineus have also been observed from farmyard chickens and bantams. The damage caused by ectoparasites and their role in disease transmission is discussed.Skin diseases of poultry caused by bacteria, fungi and viruses are reviewed. Skin conditions not induced by trauma are extremely rare in south west Scotland. Traumatic induced skin diseases still occur in modern poultry units and are associated with fighting or the use of poor materials in the structure of the house. Cases of staphylococcal wound infection and staphylococcal arthritis have been observed in poultry units where poor quality wire netting or hard spiky litter have been used as floor materials. Mention is also made of two pigeon diseases, pigeon pox and canker.