Vetafarm Avimec 50mL: Treatment for Scaly Mites and Lice in Small Birds
Product Overview
Vetafarm Avimec 50mL is a topical liquid medication formulated for the control of scaly face mites, air sac mites, red leg mites, and lice in Parakeets, Budgies (Budgerigars), Canaries, Finches, and other small birds. Avimec is designed for external use only and is safe to use alongside food additives, supplements, and other oral medications.
About Scaly Face and Scaly Leg Mites
Scaly Face in birds refers to an infestation of burrowing or scaly face mites (Knemidokoptes pilae). Scaly Leg, also known as tassle foot, is commonly due to Knemidocoptes mutans (Scaly Leg Mite). Both types of mites are microscopic and cannot be seen with the naked eye. In budgerigars, Knemidokoptes pilae typically affects the beak, with infestations often starting there and later spreading to the legs and the area around the vent. The mites may also impact the eyes and vent area.
Early infestation may cause little visible change and have minimal impact on the bird’s general condition. Initial signs include crusty plaques in the corners of the beak and on the beak itself, appearing as bright white deposits that thicken and become crustier over time. As the infestation progresses, the upper mandible develops a “coral-like” appearance due to tunnels created by the burrowing mites. These tunnels can also appear around the eyes, legs, or vent, causing severe itching. Affected birds appear restless and scratch continuously.
If left untreated, mite infestations can lead to serious complications that are extremely painful and may result in death.
Transmission
Burrowing mites are primarily transmitted in the nest box during feeding, through direct body contact from parents to chicks. Although transmission between adult birds is rare, it has been observed. Special care should be taken with pairs and flocks if an infection occurs, as some birds are more susceptible and infestations may follow family lines, suggesting a possible genetic predisposition. The time between infection and visible symptoms can be several years, but most budgerigar infestations appear between 6 and 12 months of age, often soon after purchase.
Treatment with Avimec
Traditional treatments for scaly mite infestations, such as paraffin oil, petroleum jelly, and strong disinfectants, aim to suffocate the mite or kill on contact, but are often messy and inconsistent. Avimec, containing Ivermectin, offers a modern solution with a simple “drop on” application. The liquid is applied to the bird’s skin once weekly for three weeks. Depending on the severity, recovery may take three to eight weeks as the bird’s body heals the damaged areas. In breeding facilities, yearly treatment is recommended for all budgerigars to control mite infestations, including apparently unaffected birds, as they may be carriers and spread mites to young birds.
Avimec is for external use only and is compatible with food additives, supplements, and other oral medications.
Directions for Use
· Birds less than 30g body weight: apply 1 drop
· Birds between 30-100g body weight: apply 2 drops
· Repeat application weekly for three weeks
· Apply drops to an unfeathered area of skin
· Treat all birds in the aviary
· Full recovery may take up to 6 weeks
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