Abstract:
The occurrence of seventeen mites has been recorded apparently for
the first time in South Africa. Cheyletiella parasitivorax has also been
included, having been recorded only from Onderstepoort. These mites are
apparently widespread over the Union and it is likely that many other species
are present.
With the exception of Syringophilus bipectinatus and S. columbae,
which produce marked distortion and malnutrition of the feathers, all the rest
of the mites are apparently harmless as far as setting up lesions are concerned.
It is, however, possible that gross infestations may set up "mite
worry" in the hosts and so help reduce their vitality, causing debility and
anaemia. The claim by other authors, that feather mites damage the barbs
of the feathers, has not been confirmed, and it is thought that biting lice are
more likely to be the culprits.
