A report on feather mite infestation in Turkeys of hilly region of Meghalaya

Liponyssus sp. (commonly known as feather mite) is a non-burrowing mite of poultry which feed on blood and tissue fluids at night. An attempt has been made to know the infestation of feather mites in 25 turkeys maintained in the poultry farm of ICAR Research Complex for North Eastern Hill Region, Umiam, Meghalaya. Pooled faecal samples were collected and subjected to saturated sugar floatation technique at 14 days interval for four months which revealed presence of Liponyssus sp. eggs. Presence of Liponyssus sp. eggs has significance because it shows presence of mites in the farm which feed on blood and tissue fluids of birds at night. This report may be considered as the first report of Liponyssus sp. infestation in turkeys from hilly region of Meghalaya.