An itchy pollifelliculitis has been seen in lovebirds and budgies. The tail and dorsal neck area are the most common areas affected. This condition is thought to be caused by a virus. Mites The most common primary parasitic disease of companion birds is caused by mites. Several types of mites exist, affecting both feathered and unfeathered skin.
Most mites inhabit the superficial portion of the skin, leading to thickening and flaking.
If the cere is involved, the beak becomes malformed. Some mites are superficial and can be found by skin scrape, while other mites penetrate deeply and require a biopsy for diagnosis. The two most common mites are Knemidokoptes and Myialges . This mite burrows in the nonfeathered areas around the cere, beak, eyes, vent and legs. Different species of mites affect different species of birds.