Control of Psoroptes cuniculi in captive white-tailed deer with ivermectin-treated corn.

Abstract

Psoroptes cuniculi, the ear mite of domestic rabbits, was collected from captive white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). This is the first report of rabbit ear mite infestations in white-tailed deer in Oklahoma or Texas (USA). In addition to moderate infestations in their ears, two 4-yr-old bucks, two 3-yr-old does, and seven 4-yr-old does showed patchy areas of alopecia along the sides and brisket. Both bucks also had patchy areas of alopecia around the base of antlers. Ear mites were eradicated from all deer except from one doe by providing ivermectin-treated corn to the deer at a rate of 1,000 g (equivalent to 200 mcg/kg of ivermectin)/day/deer for several days. The ear mite infestation in the one doe was eradicated by intramuscularly injection with ivermectin at 400 mcg/kg. After treatment with the ivermectin and eradication of the mites, the alopecia improved and eventually was eliminated. The ivermectin-treated corn also controlled all internal nematode parasites in the deer.