Cheyletiellosis (also known as
Cheyletiella dermatitis)," is a mild
dermatitis caused by
mites of the
genus Cheyletiella. It is also known as
walking dandruff due to skin scales being carried by the mites. Cheyletiellosis is seen more commonly in areas where
fleas are less prevalent, because of the decreased use of flea products that are also efficacious for the treatment of this mite. Cheyletiellosis is highly contagious. Transmission is by direct contact with an affected animal. Cats can also be treated with a lime sulfur insecticide dip or a shampoo with non-pyrethrin insecticide for two weeks beyond the conclusion of symptoms. In unresponsive cases,
ivermectin is used. None of these products are approved for treatment of cheyletiellosis. Other pets in the same household should also be treated, and the house or kennel must be treated with an environmental
flea spray. ==Species==