Knemidocoptes gallinae, also known as the depluming mite or itch mite, is a burrowing mite similar to the scaly leg mite (
Knemidocoptes mutans) which is responsible for causing
scaly leg mite infestation in chickens. They are found in backyard and free-range poultry flocks worldwide. The depluming mite burrows into the chicken's skin along the shafts of the feathers, causing them to break off easily. The disease they cause in poultry is called
Depluming itch.
Seasonal Influence: Depluming mites are more prevalent in the spring and summer months, with lower numbers in the autumn. Their life cycle takes between 10 to 14 days to complete.
