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It is not well known that the mite, Dermanyssus gallinae, may infest pigeons. Three cases of dermatitis due to D. gallinae infestation of pigeon are being reported, as this source may be overlooked when tracing the etiology of lichen urticatus suspected to be a reaction to the bites of arthropods.
Three white women who share an apartment were seen in May, 1952, with malaise and a pruritic papular eruption on the extremities, neck, and around the waist. History revealed that pigeons roosted outside one window, and many small arthropods were found on the window sill and inside the screen. These were identified as D. gallinae by C. F. Muesebeck and W. C. McDuffie, of the Bureau of Entomology and Plant Quarantine of the United States Department of Agriculture. The mites are especially apt to enter the living quarters after young birds have left the nest. Area control was accomplished in