Scaly leg due to Knemidokoptes sp. in a bullfinch (Pyrrhula pyrrhula): Common is common, but keep an open mind for new findings!

An adult, male bullfinch (Pyrrhula pyrrhula) underwent a post-mortem examination for proliferative leg lesions. A mobile mite, Mesalgoides pyrrhulinus, was detected from skin scrapings. The histopathology and molecular testing identified Knemidokoptes sp. We herein highlight the importance of a rigorous diagnostic workup in cases in which a ‘common’ clinical presentation gives an unexpected test result.