Main facts about Dermanyssus & Ornithonyssus

These genera are members of the Dermanyssidae family of mites. Dermanyssus mites are also called red mites.

Dermanyssus and Ornithonyssus mites are a major parasite of domestic fowls but also occur on other birds including aviary and wild colonies. They are a vector of spirochetosis in fowls and possibly of equine encephalitis.

There is a high chance of transmission to humans from heavy infestations in urban bird colonies.

Cases in humans have been reported after contact with domestic birds