The first report of Knemidocoptes intermedius Fain et Macfarlane, 1967 (Acari: Astigmata) in naturally infected European birds
2011
Dabert, Jacek | Mihalca, Andrei D. | Sándor, Attila D.
According to the latest taxonomical review, the genus Knemidocoptes (Epidermoptidae: Knemidocoptinae) comprises 15 species of mites responsible for skin lesions on the face, legs, or body of various wild and domestic birds. A number of 54 common ravens, Corvus corax (Aves: Passeriformes: Corvidae) were found dead (accidental poisoning) in March 2009, in Târgu Mureş, Romania. One individual presented bilateral symptoms of scaly leg disease. Microscopic examination revealed the presence of Knemidocoptes intermedius (Epidermoptidae, Knemidocoptinae) in one bird. The lesions were present on both feet (bilateral) and consisted of moderate hypertrophic crusts on the dorsal and ventral part of the toes as well as the distal part of the tarsometatarsal region. It is the first reliable record of K. intermedius in Europe and also the first record of this species in the common raven. The host range and specificity of this parasite is discussed, along with a revision of occurrences in wild birds.
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