Brian - LCRC
06-21-2006, 01:34 PM
From: Oceanic Giant Skinks
Mites:
Mite infestation (acariasis) is a very serious problem to be taken as seriously as any other disease producing vector. Mite infestation in the wild is often not as common and more easily rid-of by the affected animal due to the wide open spaces available. For instance, in soaking in a pool of water, the animal can leave the area and the mites behind. In captivity, the mite parasites are confined to a limited space and thus can reattach to the unfortunate animal. In addition, the confined area and ready food source for the mites is such that the population explodes in a very short time. A female will lay up to 100 eggs away from the host in various nooks and crannies in the enclosure. This is why it is very important to sterilize the enclosure after treating the Corucia infected. It is also advisable to reduce cracks and crevices to a minimum. If infestation is a constant occurrence, one may need to change designs on their enclosure. This weights heavily in particular if reducing the amount of wood openings in calking proves impossible.
Mites can infect the host with numerous nasty diseases and disabilities including Aeromonas hydrophila which can lead to pneumona, permanent scale damage, and stomatitis. The Corucian appetite may be affected. Activity will be reduced and possible rubbing action will be observed as this situation is very itchy and uncomfortable to the affected host. The mites tend to hide under the lizard's scales and in recesses and folds of skin (i.e. the vent region) as well as in the ears and around the eyes. They can blend in well with the dark spotted pigmentation on a Corucia. They usually leave the host only after dark which is why they are seldom seen until the infestation is well underway. Usually they are first noticed drowned in the Corucian water bowls after the mites seek a drink after dark. Unfortunately, the humid conditions required by Corucia are also ideal for mites and indeed molting (ecdysis) and growth accelerates the more humid the environment is. Also, the mid 80 degree range that is normal for Corucia is prime for these pests. Unfortunately, mites can live as long as forty days and live without feeding on blood from a host for as long as 22 days.
With any method used to rid the animals from mites, remember to treat the enclosure as well. Soaking the affected Corucia in warm water for 30 minutes or more will drown most of the mites. The problem is in the head region which cannot be immersed any length of time. It is the safest method but not fully effective. It is recommended to reduce the population but other methods must be applied as well. Remember, never leave your Corucia unattended in the tub (or whatever your using to soak her/him in). Another method is coating the lizard with vegetable or olive oil to smother the mites (this method does work quite well in ridding ticks from the armpits of Tortoises which are impossible to reach with tweasers as the tortoise will invariably retract in the shell.) With mites, it is very messy and only marginally better than the soaking method in that the head can be treated as well. Of the two, the soaking method is recommended. It is important to note that there is not treatment 100% safe and effective to rid mites. Indded, certain products such as ivermectin can be affective for lizards but detremental for Chelonians (Mader,1996). Organophosphates can cause paralysis in lizards (Mader,1996). Experience has been successful with the following (see warning to follow). The soaking method described above is used followed by use of Prozap Insect Guard (Active ingredients: dichlorvos, 2-2 dichlorovinyl dimethyl phosphate). One strip will treat between 900-1200 cubic feet. The strips, which are bordered in rectangular plastic frames, are hung above the enclosures. In solid wood or melamine enclosures, the strip can be placed in a box with perferated holes. Under no circumstances should the strips come into contact with any enclosures or items within. Hands must be throughly washed after contact. Follow up by soaking the Corucia will indicate whether the mite threat is over. The strips are beneficial as well in keeping away flies and mosquitoes. This is not to say this is the only and best method but one that seems to work. However, this method can be very toxic and should be hung well above the enclosure w/o any possibility of contact. Risk of paralysis, foaming at the mouth, and the inability to turn over (atoxia) can result from exposure to dichlorvos. This affect can occur many months after contact. Douglas Mader, a well known reptile veterinarian, does not recommend use of dichlorvos because of these risks if contact occurs with the reptile and the animal is adversely affected. Others have tried sprays to rid mites but the eyes must be coated with mucus feeling (high viscosity) ophthalmic ointment to protect the eyes from spray. Also, inhalation through the nostrals is a concern. As one can see, any method tried is time consuming and not without risk. But the mites are a danger and a great discomfort to your Corucia and must be dealt with in some fashion. To ignore a mite problem is doing your Corucia a great disservice. If your are in this situation, all the best in the solution you choose.
The enclosure and all items within must be certain to be mite free although the hanging strip method seems to take care of this. Additional insurance would be to wash or spray the enclosure with very warm water for ten minutes or so. If the strip method is not imployed, The Corucia should be temporarily housed in large tupperware enclosures (no hiding places for mites) until their normal enclosure are mite free and the Corucia certain to be mite free as well. Replaceable items should be considered to be discarded. Small items can be disinfected on low heat from an oven or space heater at the appropriate distance. The items can also be placed in a plastic garbage bag with one of the strips and washed thereafter.
Constant diligence is required of any guardian of living things and watching for mites on one's Corucia is no exception. Careful monitoring before and after a mite problem is a must for successfully keeping and well being of the species Corucia zebrata (underlined).
Mites:
Mite infestation (acariasis) is a very serious problem to be taken as seriously as any other disease producing vector. Mite infestation in the wild is often not as common and more easily rid-of by the affected animal due to the wide open spaces available. For instance, in soaking in a pool of water, the animal can leave the area and the mites behind. In captivity, the mite parasites are confined to a limited space and thus can reattach to the unfortunate animal. In addition, the confined area and ready food source for the mites is such that the population explodes in a very short time. A female will lay up to 100 eggs away from the host in various nooks and crannies in the enclosure. This is why it is very important to sterilize the enclosure after treating the Corucia infected. It is also advisable to reduce cracks and crevices to a minimum. If infestation is a constant occurrence, one may need to change designs on their enclosure. This weights heavily in particular if reducing the amount of wood openings in calking proves impossible.
Mites can infect the host with numerous nasty diseases and disabilities including Aeromonas hydrophila which can lead to pneumona, permanent scale damage, and stomatitis. The Corucian appetite may be affected. Activity will be reduced and possible rubbing action will be observed as this situation is very itchy and uncomfortable to the affected host. The mites tend to hide under the lizard's scales and in recesses and folds of skin (i.e. the vent region) as well as in the ears and around the eyes. They can blend in well with the dark spotted pigmentation on a Corucia. They usually leave the host only after dark which is why they are seldom seen until the infestation is well underway. Usually they are first noticed drowned in the Corucian water bowls after the mites seek a drink after dark. Unfortunately, the humid conditions required by Corucia are also ideal for mites and indeed molting (ecdysis) and growth accelerates the more humid the environment is. Also, the mid 80 degree range that is normal for Corucia is prime for these pests. Unfortunately, mites can live as long as forty days and live without feeding on blood from a host for as long as 22 days.
With any method used to rid the animals from mites, remember to treat the enclosure as well. Soaking the affected Corucia in warm water for 30 minutes or more will drown most of the mites. The problem is in the head region which cannot be immersed any length of time. It is the safest method but not fully effective. It is recommended to reduce the population but other methods must be applied as well. Remember, never leave your Corucia unattended in the tub (or whatever your using to soak her/him in). Another method is coating the lizard with vegetable or olive oil to smother the mites (this method does work quite well in ridding ticks from the armpits of Tortoises which are impossible to reach with tweasers as the tortoise will invariably retract in the shell.) With mites, it is very messy and only marginally better than the soaking method in that the head can be treated as well. Of the two, the soaking method is recommended. It is important to note that there is not treatment 100% safe and effective to rid mites. Indded, certain products such as ivermectin can be affective for lizards but detremental for Chelonians (Mader,1996). Organophosphates can cause paralysis in lizards (Mader,1996). Experience has been successful with the following (see warning to follow). The soaking method described above is used followed by use of Prozap Insect Guard (Active ingredients: dichlorvos, 2-2 dichlorovinyl dimethyl phosphate). One strip will treat between 900-1200 cubic feet. The strips, which are bordered in rectangular plastic frames, are hung above the enclosures. In solid wood or melamine enclosures, the strip can be placed in a box with perferated holes. Under no circumstances should the strips come into contact with any enclosures or items within. Hands must be throughly washed after contact. Follow up by soaking the Corucia will indicate whether the mite threat is over. The strips are beneficial as well in keeping away flies and mosquitoes. This is not to say this is the only and best method but one that seems to work. However, this method can be very toxic and should be hung well above the enclosure w/o any possibility of contact. Risk of paralysis, foaming at the mouth, and the inability to turn over (atoxia) can result from exposure to dichlorvos. This affect can occur many months after contact. Douglas Mader, a well known reptile veterinarian, does not recommend use of dichlorvos because of these risks if contact occurs with the reptile and the animal is adversely affected. Others have tried sprays to rid mites but the eyes must be coated with mucus feeling (high viscosity) ophthalmic ointment to protect the eyes from spray. Also, inhalation through the nostrals is a concern. As one can see, any method tried is time consuming and not without risk. But the mites are a danger and a great discomfort to your Corucia and must be dealt with in some fashion. To ignore a mite problem is doing your Corucia a great disservice. If your are in this situation, all the best in the solution you choose.
The enclosure and all items within must be certain to be mite free although the hanging strip method seems to take care of this. Additional insurance would be to wash or spray the enclosure with very warm water for ten minutes or so. If the strip method is not imployed, The Corucia should be temporarily housed in large tupperware enclosures (no hiding places for mites) until their normal enclosure are mite free and the Corucia certain to be mite free as well. Replaceable items should be considered to be discarded. Small items can be disinfected on low heat from an oven or space heater at the appropriate distance. The items can also be placed in a plastic garbage bag with one of the strips and washed thereafter.
Constant diligence is required of any guardian of living things and watching for mites on one's Corucia is no exception. Careful monitoring before and after a mite problem is a must for successfully keeping and well being of the species Corucia zebrata (underlined).