Avimec is a topical 'drop on' liquid for the treatment of Scaly Face Mite (Knemidokoptes pilae) in budgerigars. Avimec is for external use only and is safe to use in conjunction with food additives and supplements and with other oral medications. DIRECTIONS:Dosage and administration:Birds less than 30g body weight apply 1 drop, Birds between 30-100g body weights apply 2 drops.Repeat application weekly for three doses.Place drops on an unfeathered area of skin. Treat all birds in the aviary.Full recovery may take up to 6 weeks Active Constituents: 1000µg/mL Ivermectin SIZE: 50mL SCALY MITE IN BUDGERIGARS: Budgerigars, and many other bird species, can be struck by the burrowing mite (Knemidokoptes ssp.), more commonly known as Scaly Face Mite. In budgies, mostly the head is affected (especially the beak, the cere, and the eyelids). Also the legs and feet can be affected and in really severe cases the area around the bird's vent will show signs of infestation. There appear to be two species of Knemidocoptes – one on the face, and one on the legs – but for all practical purposes we consider them as one (Scaly Mite) and treat the same. The Latin name for the so-called scaly mite group is Knemidokoptes (also spelt as Cnemidocoptes). Scaly Face is a term used for an infestation of burrowing or scaly face mites (Knemidokoptes pilae).Scaly Leg or tassle foot is often due to Knemidocoptes mutans (Scaly Leg Mite). Both Scaly Face and Scaly Leg mites are invisible to the naked eye. Knemidokoptes pilae will affect not only the legs but also the beak, the eyes and the area around the vent. In budgerigars, Knemidokoptes pilae affects chiefly the beak. In most cases, an infestation originates there and spreads to the legs and the area around the vent later on.If an infestation of Knemidokoptes has occurred, the bird affected will experience severe itching if the mites are not limited to the upper mandible.In the initial stage, an infestation with burrowing mites is hardly visible and hardly affects the general condition of the diseased bird. There are initially crusty plaques in the corners of the beak and on the beak itself.In the early stages, they have the appearance of a bright white deposit that becomes thicker and crustier over time. The upper mandible becomes increasingly "coral like" since the burrowing mites dig subtle tunnels (paths). In the skin around the eyes, on the legs or around the vent is also affected, this is accompanied by strong itching.The bird appears restless and is scratching itself perpetually. If the infestation progresses untreated, serious complications usually occur that are not only extremely painful for the affected bird but often result in its death! Burrowing mites are transmitted mainly in the nest box during feeding; i.e. during direct body contact from parents unto the chicks. A transmission between adult birds has also been observed, although this rarely happens. Thus special attention should be paid in pairs of birds and flocks if an infection with burrowing mites has occurred! A couple of years can pass between the time of infection and the appearance of first symptoms. In most cases, however, a mite infestation in a budgie occurs between its 6th and 12th month of life; thus often shortly after the bird has been bought.There are some individuals who are more susceptible to the mite than others… often infestations will follow family lines. There may be some genetic predisposition among birds. There are many so called "treatments" available for Scaly Mite treatment. These range from Paraffin Oil and Petroleum Jelly to strong disinfectants. Mostly these treatments are designed to suffocate the mite or kill on contact. Older treatments are messy, inconsistent and fiddly to apply.Technology has now caught up with this disease and Avimec, containing Ivermectin, is now available to treat Knemidocoptes. Using a simple "drop on" formula the liquid is applied to the bird's skin once weekly for three weeks. Depending on the severity of the disease, cure will take from 3 – 8 weeks as the bird's body repairs the areas of damage. In breeding facilities, Budgerigars should be treated yearly to control the mite. Even birds that appear unaffected should be treated as they often can carry the mite – ready to spread them on to their young. Please note: Since burrowing mites only live on the body, it is not necessary to treat the cage with an anti-mite-spray. These agents are usually highly toxic and harm the birds! Burrowing mites are harmless for humans; there is no risk of an infectio
