Investigation of ectoparasites in cage birds in Burdur province

The present study was carried out to identify the ectoparasites in cage birds (budgerigars, canaries) in the Burdur region.Within this scope, 676 cage birds were examined in a total of 241 cages of 12 breeders / producers in the Central district of Burdur province and ectoparasites sample collection was performed.The collected samples were made transparent with 10% KOH, washed with 70%, 80%, 90% and 99% ethanol one day for each respectively, then fixed slides were prepared with canada balsam and examined under light microscope.Of the 241 cages examined, 192 were budgerigar cages and 49 were canary cages and of the 676 caged birds examined, 555 were budgerigars and 121 were canaries.No ectoparasites were found on any of the animals examined by inspection.However, all development stages ofDermanyssus gallinae species were found at examinations of the cage and cage equipment (nests, food dishes, perches, water bowls, food bowls, cuttlefish holders, etc.).Totally; 700 female, 247 male, 634 deutonymf, 508 protonymf, 172 larvae and 1296 eggs were identified.D. gallinae infestation was detected in 5 (41.67%) of 12 breeders, 69 (28.63%) of 241 cages, 169 (25%) of 676 animals examined. This is the first study in Burdur and Turkey to investigate the ectoparasites of cage birds. As a result of the data obtained from the present study, it has been concluded that D. gallinea is a common source of infestation for canaries and budgerigars in Burdur region.