What are zoonotic dermatoses?

Zoonotic dermatoses, also called “cryptic bites,” are caused by arthropods that infest animals. These include:

• Pets: Dogs, cats, rabbits, gerbils
• Fleas: Only adult fleas bite for blood; immature fleas are scavengers
• Cheyletiella: Common mite of dogs, cats, rabbits
• Scabies: Canine
• Nesting birds: Swallows, sparrows, pigeons, starlings on or near the house; bites begin when the birds have fledged. Swallow bugs (Oeciacus vicarus, C. adjunctus) are not rare
• Bats in attics: C. pilosellus
• Pests: Rats, mice

These bites are chronic, recurrent, painless, and very itchy; the organisms are too small to see. Treatment is to disinfect the pet, get rid of any pests, including nearby bats and birds, then spray the area for insects and mites. This should be tightly coordinated. If the natural host of the swallow/bat bug is gone, the bugs will seek new sources of blood, and the bites may increase in number.