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Treating scaly leg in backyard poultry: a case study from Greece
M A B Christodoulopoulos1, M Lefkaditis2, G I Papakonstantinou3
1Faculty of Sciences, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France.
British Poultry Science
|July 16, 2025
Summary
Scaly leg mite infestations in backyard chickens can be effectively treated with Phoxim or Ivermectin. Both treatments are safe, with single applications proving as effective as multiple, and Ivermectin shows no adverse effects on egg production.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Parasitology
- Poultry Health Management
- Agricultural Entomology
Background:
- Scaly leg disease, caused by the mite *Cnemidocoptes mutans*, is a common concern in backyard poultry flocks in Greece.
- Infestations typically manifest as mild lesions and scratching behavior, impacting flock health and productivity.
- Effective and safe treatment strategies are crucial for small-scale farming systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy and safety of Phoxim (foot baths and barn spraying) and Ivermectin (medicated feed) for treating scaly leg in backyard poultry.
- To assess the impact of scaly leg disease and Ivermectin treatment on egg production.
- To investigate the role of cohabiting Muscovy ducks in the epidemiology of *Cnemidocoptes mutans*.
Main Methods:
- Field study conducted on 36 backyard poultry farms in southern Greece, involving 15-82 chickens per farm.
- Comparison of single versus double applications of Phoxim and Ivermectin treatments, administered via foot baths, barn spraying, or medicated feed.
- Monitoring of egg production and assessment of mite infestation in chickens and Muscovy ducks.
Main Results:
- Both Phoxim and Ivermectin treatments were effective and safe, with single applications yielding similar results to double applications.
- Phoxim barn spraying did not improve foot bath efficacy; Ivermectin medicated feed requires at least two days of administration for adequate intake.
- Scaly leg disease significantly reduced egg production, while Ivermectin treatment had no adverse effects on laying hens. Muscovy ducks were unaffected and did not contribute to transmission.
Conclusions:
- Phoxim and Ivermectin are effective and safe treatments for scaly leg in backyard poultry, with optimized administration protocols.
- Managing scaly leg disease is essential for maintaining poultry productivity, particularly egg yield.
- Integrated pest management strategies should consider the role of cohabiting species, though Muscovy ducks pose no risk in this context.
