Scatt (Vetafarm) Ingredients (Guaranteed Analysis):
Apply 1 to 2 drops, based on the bird’s size (1 drop for every 30g of body weight), to the exposed skin in the space between the shoulders in a single application. Treat every bird; after 21 days, reevaluate and treat again if needed. The effects of the treatment might not be felt for up to six weeks.
DIRECTIONS: One drop for every 30 grams of body weight is the recommended dosage rate for treating air-sac mites. Gouldians range in weight from 15 to 23 grams, but every time I’ve used SCATT, I’ve always used 1 drop.
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Air-sac Mites are very common in the Gouldian Finch and the Canary. If left untreated this mite is notorious for causing deaths in Gouldians and may be partly responsible for the drop in the wild Gouldian populations. The mites are certainly responsible for the typical coughing canary. Air Sac Mites (Sternostoma tracheacolum) is a 0.2 0.3 mm long, grey or black mite that lives in the lungs and air sacs of the bird. The life cycle is somewhat bizarre females lay eggs in the lungs, eggs hatch quickly to become nymphs and then sub adults. Once they have had a blood meal the females move to the air sacs while the males stay put in the lungs to mature. Female mites move up into the syrinx, windpipe and sinuses with mature egg laying females returning to the lungs to lay their eggs. The total time from hatching to maturity is thought to be no more than 6 8 days. Interestingly the mites have also been found in water, on perches and in food for such a small mite they are amazingly active! Transmission is usually between birds in close contact, via regurgitation at feeding and courtship. Female mites in the environment can crawl onto head feathers and infect other birds; this explains the transmission of the mite across the wire barrier of cages. Because they are so active, the mite can cause damage to all parts of the respiratory system. The mite droppings and body will cause an allergic type response in the lungs leading to difficulty breathing and respiratory noise. In the wild, a reduction of respiratory function is fatal as birds can no longer fly to feed and water, (infection rate in the wild has been measured at 63%). In aviaries, it is a longer slower process but will still lead to death as the bird becomes more and more debilitated. Mite infections will also lead to a drop in reproduction. Preventative treatments are necessary for all Gouldian and Canary facilities. Treatment involves using an insecticide to kill the adult mite and maintaining treatment long enough to kill all the newly hatched mites. Drop On Air Sac Mite Treatments (SCATT) need to be given at least 4 times a year. Because the mite can roam free in the aviary, a whole aviary clean down and spray with a bird safe insect spray must be done immediately after treating the birds. If treatment is not rapidly effective you will need to consult with your avian veterinarian.
This product is not meant for use in livestock whose meat or eggs are meant to be consumed by humans. To obtain permission and oversight before giving this or any other antimicrobial medication, speak with your veterinarian. Scatt:
Put the drop where the bird cannot get any liquid in its mouth and in direct contact with the skin. My preference is to place the drop beneath the feathers, between the wings, in the center of the back. It will seem really strange the first time, so you might want to ask a friend to assist you in holding the bird. But with each use, you’ll become more accustomed to the process and become an expert quickly.
Air Sac Mite (mainly Canaries & Finches):
Apply 1 to 2 drops, based on the bird’s size (1 drop for every 30g of body weight), to the exposed skin in the space between the shoulders in a single application. Make sure to re-treat three or four times a year for optimal results.
Available Sizes: 50mL
* Disclaimer: Not for animals intended for human consumption *
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