**Goose Mites** (*Dermoglyphus* spp.) are a type of **feather mite** (class Arachnida) that specifically infests geese, ducks, and other waterfowl. These mites live and breed directly on the feathers, feeding on feather debris, oils, and sloughed skin cells. They are generally considered commensal (benefiting without harming) or only mildly parasitic, but heavy infestations can cause feather damage, irritation, and reduced feather quality in commercial flocks.
Taxonomy and Classification
Goose Mites belong to the sub-class Acari. They undergo simple metamorphosis. They are closely related to the mites that infest chickens and other poultry, but specialized species have evolved to live on the specific feather structure of waterfowl. Unlike blood-feeding Red Mites, Goose Mites typically do not bite or feed on the host’s blood or skin.
Physical Description
Goose Mites are microscopic, pale, and globular, usually less than $0.5$ mm long.
- **Appearance:** Translucent or whitish, eight-legged arachnids, appearing as fine dust or specks on the feather shafts.
- **Location:** They live primarily on the vanes of the feathers, sometimes found deep within the downy layer near the bird’s skin.
- **Damage Sign:** Heavy infestations can cause the feathers, especially the long contour and flight feathers, to look dirty, dusty, or matted, leading to a loss of insulation and waterproofing.
Distribution and Habitat
Goose Mites are found globally, distributed wherever geese and ducks are found, both wild and domesticated. Their entire life cycle is spent on the bird, relying on direct contact for transmission between hosts. They are most commonly found in high-density commercial or hobby flocks.
Behavior and Conflict
Goose Mites are permanent external parasites. They reproduce quickly, laying eggs directly on the feather shafts and barbules.
- **Feather Quality Impact:** In commercial goose down production, heavy mite infestations reduce the quality and cleanliness of the harvested feathers, requiring extra processing or decontamination.
- **Irritation:** Large numbers of mites can cause the bird to engage in excessive preening, feather-plucking, and general restlessness, leading to stress.
- **Transmission:** Mites are easily transmitted when birds share nesting material, water, or physical contact.
Management and Prevention
Management is generally only required when high populations cause noticeable feather damage or bird irritation.
- **Isolation/Quarantine:** Quarantining new birds and inspecting them for mites is the best preventative measure against introducing the pest to a clean flock.
- **Environmental:** Ensure birds have access to clean water for bathing, which naturally dislodges some external parasites.
- **Acaricides (Chemical Control):** Topical application of approved veterinary acaricides (often sprays or dusts) may be necessary for severe infestations, but this should be done with care and under veterinary guidance to avoid toxicity, especially if the geese are being raised for meat or eggs.
Conservation and Research
Goose Mites are primarily managed as commercial pests affecting feather quality. Research focuses on their specialized adaptations for living on waterfowl plumage and their role in tracking the evolutionary relationships of their host species.