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[Sheilaz]

Thanks to advice here and elsewhere, I think I am on top of treating my hens now that I have identified my first NFM infestation. I'm using Johnson's anti mite directly on the birds, as well as cleaning and preventing in the house in the usual way. At first I thought I was just nipping the usual redmite in the bud, then realised the poor things had NFM, yuk! (probably spread from wild birds)

 

Trouble is, it also explains why I keep getting new bite marks at night, I'm pretty certain that's what I have too. I did see the beasts crawling up my arms when I treated the girls, before I realised what I was dealing with. My rash looks like NFM reaction.

 

For treating myself and how to be sure it's eradicated from my clothes and bedding, the info I have found is conflicting and confusing (so please only answer if you're sure, thanks!)

I'm desperate to rid myself of them in the most time efficient way, I have enough stress without this! Anyone actually dealt with this quickly and effectively on humans? I'm going to smother myself in Diatom (without inhaling) at least!

[Egghead68]

You need ivomec eprinex (prescription only - prob not licensed for poultry in the uk) for the birds to get rid of nfm. Not sure what you do about yourself. Good luck.

[Chicken shack]

Please don't quote me but I think I read somewhere that they are usung ivomec eprinex on humans in 3rd world countries Not licenced for poultry and probably not humans in the UK. Two of my girls had NFM and lice when I got them last January. I realised immediately and was able to treat them with ivomec amongst other products. It took several weeks before I was confident that it had worked. Even though I wear gloves I think I end up with more of the stuff on me, at least I am mite free.

 

(ivomec eprinex) Not licenced for poultry and probably not humans in the UK.

[The Dogmother]

Sorry to hear that Shelia. The way to get rid of it on your birds is (as said above) quarterly treatment with Ivomec Eprinex* and spray any visible mites with a permethrin-based spray* at weekly intervals until they are all gone. I think this is covered in my sticky at the top of this section, but if they have a really bad dose then bathing the chicken in a dog flea shampoo and pulling off the 'scab' of mites and their droppings works well.

 

For humans just shower using a dog flea shampoo until they are gone. Permethrin is the active ingredient; it is also used in human head lice treatments.

 

I may be mis-remembering but NFM don't usually live on humans, although they will linger a while and bite us. I think they are species specific. I hope you get rid of them.

 

*not licensed for use on humans in the UK.

 

ETA... Yes, here you go....

Mites that normally infest birds also bite people. The northern fowl mite (Ornithonyssus sylviarum) and chicken mite (Dermanyssus gallinae) primarily infest chickens, but also pigeons, starlings and sparrows. The northern fowl mite cannot survive for more than a month off its host, while the chicken mite hides in cracks and crevices near bird nests during the day and feeds by night. Cheyletiella mites infest both birds and mammals. They may prey on other mites and insects living on the host’s skin. They can cause a mange-like condition in pets, and itching in people who handle infested pets. They do not stay long on humans.

[Sheilaz]

Thank you so much Egghead68, Chickenshack and DM, I appreciate your posts.

Although I had read the sticky, then boggled my mind with other research, I had trouble getting Ivomec Eprinix before, and haven't really needed it in the meantime. Also, my rash is horrid, I wondered if anyone else had the same, I shall use the dog shampoo, thanks DM!

 

When I posted, I had wondered if the dog shampoo, mite spray and powders would be enough for the birds, as they were instantly available. I'd lost some time when I thought the problem was just a few redmite.

It's clear now that it's NFM and that it really is difficult.

I'll be seeing the vet ASAP so as to treat them all with IE urgently!

 

The other measures have helped, but the newly hatched ones are tiny and nearly invisible, so a visual inspection isn't adequate once you have had them, I shall only relax when they have all had the proper IE doses.

 

Many thanks!

[The Dogmother]

Just to check Sheila, are the mites you can see tiny and dark grey/black? I ask because quite a lot of people have been bitten by harvest mites (Chiggers) this summer and the rash/blisters from that are very nasty.

 

I've been bitten by NFM before but the bites were tint red pin pricks and the mites certainly didn't stay on me. Red mites would stay on a human though and would also transfer to your house, so great care has to be taken when treating a red mite infestation.

 

I'd suggest nuking the coop with Total Mite Kill Concentrate and then powdering with Buz Busters; that combo always seems to work, as a preventative, IE seems to be the only one which works against them.

[Sheilaz]

Thanks DM. Have been using antihistimines for me because I think the bites are causing an allergic reaction, whatever they are.

Disappointing update; Took Olive to a vet who is experienced and well regarded, including in chickens. However, if I hadn't known that, I would have thought he was baffled. I had hoped he would take charge and be positive about what to do, but he just kept saying how bad it was and how difficult parasites are.

He talked about maybe Ivermectin, and I mentioned Ivomec Eprinix, but he woukdn't be drawn. Kept sounding defeated. Then he went off for a while and came back with a hen book, muttering about Ivermectin and what dose because it may not work or might kill her. Then he talked about wasting time, that he was keeping a dog waiting, and must make a decision, I hope he was talking to himself, I was waiting for him to decide! All a bit odd.

I wondered if he was hinting it wasn't worth doing and therefore PTS, but surely a vet would give that option directly rather than just keep shaking his head and saying how bad parasites are?

He gave her neck drops of an Ivermectin and said to see how she does then treat the others in a week or two if she survives and improves.

Olive was so good, bright and alert, and weighs 2.9kg even though she is a dainty looking Bluebelle.

I didn't find the visit reassuring and wonder if I should just get some Xeno and treat the others myself, if Olive doesn't keel over.

It was £35, fair enough, but I thought I would be relieved knowing I had seen a vet, but I came out feeling very confused and down about it. I think I'll try a different practice in future, which is a pain, and I'm so surprised at his manner, keep wondering if he was OK!

[The Dogmother]

How very odd and frustrating for you. Perhaps he just wasn't in a 'chicken groove'?

 

Xeno (Ivermectin) doesn't seem to work on NFM, but Ivomec Eprinex does.

[HH HENS]

Hi My hens had NFM this summer ivermectin just doesn't work I used eprinex which isn't licenced for chickens,( on discussion with my vet, it was a poultry breeder friend that recommended it and the vet was happy to try it. ) 0.4ml on the back of their necks which did the trick I did a two week egg withdrawal.

[The Dogmother]

Hi My hens had NFM this summer ivermectin just doesn't work I used eprinex which isn't licenced for chickens,( on discussion with my vet, it was a poultry breeder friend that recommended it and the vet was happy to try it. ) 0.4ml on the back of their necks which did the trick I did a two week egg withdrawal.

 

Glad to hear it. Don't forget though (I'm sure that you won't) that the key to keeping them lice/mite free is to keep up regular preventative treatment and to spray when you see lice.

 

How's it going Sheila... have you stopped itching yet?