Morphological identification and treatment of Knemidokoptes pilae (Lavoipierre & Griffiths, 1951) infestation in Budgerigars.

BACKGROUND: Knemidocoptes pilae (Lavoipierre & Griffiths, 1951), first described in the United Kingdom, is an ectoparasitic mite causing hyperkeratotic lesions, particularly on the beak and feet of budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus). OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to provide morphological characterization and evaluate the effectiveness of topical ivermectin treatment in naturally infested budgerigars. METHODS: Four client-owned budgerigars presented with suspected ectoparasitic infestation were examined. Skin scrapings were collected and analyzed using light microscopy. Mites were identified as K. pilae based on morphological features of adult females, larvae, and eggs. A topical ivermectin solution (100 µg/30 g body weight) diluted in propylene glycol was applied as a spot-on formulation once weekly for 4 weeks. RESULTS: All birds exhibited clinical signs consistent with knemidocoptosis. Following treatment, a progressive reduction in lesions was observed, and complete clinical recovery was achieved within four weeks. No mites were detected in follow-up examinations. CONCLUSIONS: The findings confirm that morphological examination is a reliable diagnostic approach and demonstrate that topical ivermectin is an effective treatment option for eK. pila K. pilae infestation in budgerigars.