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SECTION I - INFECTIOUS AGENT
NAME: Cheyletiellosis
SYNONYM OR CROSS REFERENCE: Cheyletiella parasitivorax, Cheyletosis.
CHARACTERISTICS: Non-burrowing obligatory mite; 266-386 um long. Three main characteristics - 1) very heavy,
thick pedipalps, each armed with heavy claw; 2) comb-like appendage on end of each foot (not claw); 3) prominent
peritremes "fish gills".
SECTION II - HEALTH HAZARD
PATHOGENICITY: Grouped erythematous macules form on trunk and buttocks; rapidly develop a central papule
which becomes vesicular then pustular, finally producing a yellow crusted lesion; pronounced irritation dermatitis.
EPIDEMIOLOGY: World wide; most common among rabbit populations.
HOST RANGE: Rabbits, cats, dogs (and in bedding of these animals); Humans.
INFECTIOUS DOSE: (Information pending).
MODE OF TRANSMISSION: Human infestation may occur by direct skin contact between man, infected animal or
through clothing.
INCUBATION PERIOD: N/A
COMMUNICABILITY: Very communicable by direct contact between animals and man.
SECTION III - DISSEMINATION
RESERVOIR: Mainly rabbits, cats, dogs.
ZOONOSIS: Yes.
VECTORS: N/A
SECTION IV - VIABILITY
DRUG SUSCEPTIBILITY: Insecticidal preparation for external parasites of man is likely to be effective.
SUSCEPTIBILITY TO DISINFECTANTS: 1% sodium hypochlorite (20% commercial bleach).
PHYSICAL INACTIVATION: (Information pending).
SURVIVAL OUTSIDE HOST: Poor.
SECTION V - MEDICAL
SURVEILLANCE: Microscopic observance of mites in skin scrapings.
FIRST AID/TREATMENT: Any insecticidal preparation for external parasites of man; symptomatic treatment with
oral antihistamines, topical steroids for temporary relief of itching.
IMMUNIZATION: None
PROPHYLAXIS: None
SECTION VI - LABORATORY HAZARDS
LABORATORY-ACQUIRED INFECTIONS: No information available.
SOURCES/SPECIMENS: Infected animals, carcasses, or pelts.
PRIMARY HAZARDS: Direct contact with infected laboratory animals.
SPECIAL HAZARDS: None
SECTION VII - RECOMMENDED PRECAUTIONS
CONTAINMENT REQUIREMENTS: Biosafety Level 2 practices and containment equipment recommended for all activities
involving the infectious stages of parasite.
PROTECTIVE CLOTHING: Laboratory coat; gloves when skin contact with infectious material is unavoidable.
OTHER PRECAUTIONS: None.
SECTION VIII - HANDLING INFORMATION
SPILLS: Spray contaminated area with 1% hypochlorite (20% commercial bleach) solution and wipe spill.
DISPOSAL: Decontaminate all wastes before disposal; steam sterilization-, chemical disinfection, incineration.
STORAGE: In sealed containers that are appropriately labeled.
Information provided by the Colorado State University Office of Biosafety-, June 16, 1998.
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