What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Symptoms)

• Bird-Mite Infestation
• Infestation of Bird Mites

What is Bird Mite Infestation? (Definition/Background Information)

• Bird Mite Infestation is a form of infestation that develops from exposure of human skin to mites found on birds. Individuals commonly contract the condition from close proximity to birds such as chicken and pigeons
• The bird mites cannot complete their lifecycle in humans as humans are not their natural hosts; human blood is not necessary for the bird mites. Thus, Bird Mite Infestation is an incidental condition and not described as a parasitic attack
• The condition can result in skin rashes with itching. Following a diagnosis of Bird Mite Infestation, the use of topical applications and oral medications may be considered. In a vast majority of cases, the outcomes are excellent

Who gets Bird Mite Infestation? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Bird Mite Infestation can occur in any age group; both adults and children may be affected. Even though most birds harbor mites, Bird Mite Infestation is not a common condition
• It affects both males and females
• There is no racial or ethnic predilection and the condition occurs worldwide. Bird mites are generally found in tropical and temperate climates

What are the Risk Factors for Bird Mite Infestation? (Predisposing Factors)

The risk factors for Bird Mite Infestation include:

• Individuals who work in poultry farms; those who handle hen, chicken, and other farm birds
• Birds owners of pigeons, sparrows, and other exotic birds. The mites can enter homes through pet birds
• Pet shop employees
• Zoo and aviary employees
• Veterinarians and veterinary lab workers
• Handling bird’s nests or living near them - the birds may build their nests in unused ventilator exhaust outlets, window sills, ledges, or chimneys

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one’s chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Bird Mite Infestation? (Etiology)

Bird mites are tiny eight-legged arthropods that resemble bedbugs but are much smaller (around 1 mm in size) with a 7-day life cycle. They are also known as tropical fowl mites, and Ornithonyssus bursa (family Macronyssidae) is the most commonly identified mite. These parasites are found in a wide variety of wild and domesticated birds, particularly in warm climates.

• Human contact resulting in Bird Mite Infestations usually occur when these mites gain entry into homes, farm sheds, or even workshops/factories, from bird nests or roosting spots at these locations (such as on roofs, ledges, or windowsills). Close contact with farm birds or poultry can also cause the bird mites to inadvertently latch onto human skin
• Discarded nests or dead birds can cause the mites to search for a new host, such as humans or pets, even though bird mites are unable to survive on human blood. When humans are bitten, it can result in the characteristic signs and symptoms such as skin rashes and severe itchy sensation

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Bird Mite Infestation?

The signs and symptoms of Bird Mite Infestation may include the following:

• Red skin rashes due to skin reaction to the saliva of bird mite
• The rashes may be in the form of tiny papules and vesicles (blisters)
• Severe irritation and itching at the bite site, particularly during the nights and early mornings
• Exposed parts of the body, such as arms and neck, are higher prone to be bitten by the mites
• Individuals may feel a crawling sensation in the affected region

Systemic signs and symptoms are not observed; however, the condition can be very uncomfortable.

How is Bird Mite Infestation Diagnosed?

Since the size of the mites are very small, and the skin rashes may look similar to other insect bites or allergic conditions, it is difficult for the healthcare provider to diagnose Bird Mite Infestation clinically without a high index of suspicion of the same. Also, the condition may not respond to conventional treatment measures.

The diagnosis of Bird Mite Infestation may include:

• Complete evaluation of medical history along with a thorough physical exam. The patient evaluation should also include questions about one’s occupation, hobbies, presentation of symptoms, and living conditions
• Complete blood count (CBC) test
• High-power light microscopy and consultation with insect experts (entomologists) can help identify the causative mite

A differential diagnosis is very important to exclude diseases/conditions that present similar signs and symptoms. These may include:

• Scabies
• Insect bites, including bites by body lice, fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, bedbugs, sandflies, etc.
• Spider bites

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Bird Mite Infestation?

Complications associated with Bird Mite Infestation may include:

• Emotional stress due to cosmetic concerns
• Secondary bacterial/fungal infections
• Loss of sleep due to intense nighttime itchiness
• Persistence and/or recurrence of the condition

How is Bird Mite Infestation Treated?

It is important to note there are no specific treatments available for Bird Mite Infestation. However, removal of the mites from the body and treating the symptoms are usually considered.

• Use of anti-itch creams and applications
• Use of topical steroid creams for inflammation
• Administration of oral antihistamines, if necessary, to treat any allergic reactions
• Antibiotics or antifungals may be considered for any superimposed infection

Mites on human skin have to be removed and eradicated, which may involve:

• Use of gentle scrubbers during showering
• Using suitable body wash gels while bathing
• Shampooing hair to remove the mites
• Moisturizing creams after showering may help reduce itchiness and discomfort

How can Bird Mite Infestation be Prevented?

Precisely identifying the causative mite is important and crucial in instituting appropriate control procedures. Bird Mite Infestation may be a chronic condition if the sources of bird mites are not eliminated.

The preventative guidelines include:

• Avoiding close contact with birds
• Using suitable protective clothing, including gloves and face masks, while handling birds and cleaning their cages
• Avoiding direct skin exposure to the birds, such as while petting, feeding, or tending to them
• Hiring professional pest control services, especially when Infestation of Bird Mites at residences or factories is evident
• Use suitable insecticides in the (contaminated/infested) areas following removal of the nests
• Remove infested objects/items such as carpets and furniture
• Use hot water to clean bedspreads, pillowcases, towels, and dresses
• For individuals having pet birds, regularly keep the bird cages clean and hygienic

What is the Prognosis of Bird Mite Infestation? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

The prognosis of Bird Mite Infestation is typically excellent following the complete eradication of bird mites.

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Bird Mite Infestation:

Cleaning the skin too hard with strong chemicals or soaps may aggravate the skin condition. Care must be taken avoid strong soaps and chemicals that could potentially worsen the condition.