Effectiveness of Solenostemma Argel Extract on Dermanyssus Gallinae in Budgies (Melopsittacus undulatus)

Abstract

Dermanyssus gallinae (D. gallinae) is an important ectoparasite in veterinary and human medicine due to its role as a vector of infectious disease-causing pathogens and its economic impact. The present study reported the infestation of 45 budgies (Melopsittacus undulatus) reared in an aviary at the Jardin d’essai Zoo, Algiers, Algeria, showing signs of pruritus with sores due to itching. Skin samples were taken from the 45 budgies (26 females, 19 males), 26 nests, and an aviary containing the budgies were microscopically analyzed. The findings indicated the presence of D. gallinae (hematophagous mite) in all budgies and nests. To fight against this red mite, a treatment based on the Solenostemma argel (S. argel) aqueous extract was implemented. The S. argel aqueous extract 2% showed a fast and effective influence on D. gallinae mites present in the budgies, nests, and aviary. The aqueous extract of S. argel leaves could be a good candidate in the fight against red mites.