• Fly ectoparasites such as biting midges, black flies, blowflies, louse flies, mosquitoes, and canid flies take a blood meal.
• Blood feeding insects of concern are cimicid bugs, fleas, some chewing lice (Other chewing lice feed on feathers)
• Arachnids such as ticks and mites also take a blood meal, some feeding on the feather material or tissue of the host.

Many ectoparasites will transmit various filarial nematodes and blood parasites. Here are a few examples of diseases and problems transmitted by ectoparasites.

• Biting Midges  (no-see-ums) may transmit:  filarial nematodes, blood protozoan (Hemoproteus  Leucocytozoon) and the Thimiri arbovirus
• Black flies (Simuliidae) is the main vector of Leucocytozoon (blood parasite), but can also transmit Trypanosoma and filarial nematodes. These infections can be fatal in nestlings.
• Louse Flies (Hippoboscidae) is a flat fly that remains on the host unless disturbed. They have the abilitiy to transmit Hemoproteus and Trypanosoma. This fly can carry lice and skin mites to a new host.  Low numbers on the raptor do not seem to be an issue, however more than 80 in number will cause weakness and emaciation.
• Chewing Lice (Mallophaga) is transferred by direct contact. They feed on the feathers causing damage and increased itching to the host. Heavy infestation can cause anemia, weight loss and death.
• Blowflies will lay their eggs in nests or on nestlings and the hatched larvae can invade the ear cavity, nose and ventral surface and feather sheath areas.
• Blood sucking ticks often found around the eyelid and beaks can transmit Babesia sp. (protozoa) causing anemia in the Prairie falcon and other species of birds. They also have the ability to transmit avian spirochetosis. Some ticks can produce a toxin in the saliva that may cause paralysis.
• Mites can be an issue for many species of birds and can cause tissue and feather damage. They may invade the skin, nasal cavity,  lung or airsacs. Certainly the mite Micnemidocoptes derooi is a big concern for the Golden Eagle.
  

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Treatment: ectoparasites will involve the use of topical and oral medications.

Topicals:

• Sprays usually contain pyrethrins (from a species of chrysanthemum flower and piperonyl (enhances the potency of pyrethrins.
• Dusts usually contain permethrin, a synthetic version of pyrethrin  (Poultry Dust). Poultry dust can be used to dust the nest and surrounding area to help control infestation

Both of the above compounds paralyze the insects nervous system and are highly toxic to bees, fish and cats

• Carbaryl 5%  (seven dust) can be used in the nest box
• Diatomaceous earth is a type of powder made from crushed fossils of freshwater organisms and marine life.
• Revolution( Selamectin)  can be used topically especially for the treatment of Knemidokoptes, Micnemidocoptes at this dose:
  (23 mg/Kg) topically every 7-3o days depending on the parasite

Do not use Fipronil : Highly Toxic and can be fatal!

Oral treatment:

• Ivermectin  1%  injectable:   0.2-0.4 mg/Kg orally for most ectoparasites. (may need higher doses for endoparasite ). The dose repeated every 7-14 days as needed