| Information courtesy of a fellow breeder as I have not encountered this problem
Chinchillas are only transient hosts for fleas - but they can get mites and ticks (around the facial/ear area more commonly). I have a lot of detailed info on ticks and mites at home (mainly because my cat was treated for a severe allergy to them - and required 9 months of injections!!). There are many different species of mite - forage mites, house mites, scabies mite etc etc etc. Mites are generally host (and food) specific. Some cause agricultural concerns (red spider mite for instance) - others are a health hazard - causing allergies (respiratory), skin conditions (mange and dermatitis etc). Here is a link that will explain more (page 2 being of specific interest)......... http://lancaster.unl.edu/enviro/pest/facts...MITES275-97.pdfThere are also several species that cause mange (sarcoptic, demodectic (sp??). Here is a link to one of them ......
http://www.geocities.com/heartland/flats/8194/smm.htmlYou really need to find out what mites are present in the hay/alfalfa (your vet can identify them) to determine how health-threatening the infestation is.
Best to be on the safe-side and bin or burn any products containing mites - and thoroughly disinfect your unit!!
Ticks are a different matter altogether - and generally require blood as a food source as part of their life-cycle - therefore they bite!! It is possible for disease to be passed on by tick-bites - although the most serious diseases are NOT endemic to the UK. However, there are a couple to be aware of (taken from the following website link) ...... LYME DISEASE (Borrelia burgdorferi). A bacterial infection that is usually carried by the Deer tick. Symptoms include lameness, fever, loss of appetite, fatigue and an abnormal enlargement of the lymph nodes. Often treatable with antibiotics. EHRLICHIOSIS (Ehrlicia phagocytophila). An infectious blood disease that attacks your pet's white blood cells, crippling the immune system. Symptoms include fever, depression, seizures, meningitis, lameness and joint swelling, weight loss, and loss of appetite. Treatable with antibiotics. Do not attempt to remove ticks yourself - as the jaws can remain behind and become infected - always see a vet!! Here is an extremely interesting link that will explain fully about ticks ................. http://uk.merial.com/pet_owners/dogs/dog_f...html#t_ailmentsDeer and other animals have free access to hay pastures - and it is in this way that they can find their way into the hay we feed our chinchillas!
Infestations are rare (so dont worry) - but it does pay to keep an eye out - and destroy any suspicious-looking hay!!
Debbie.
P.S. Do not treat chinchillas with frontline or ivermectin yourself - always speak to a vet!! (Certain tick/flea/mite products may produce harmful side-effects in chinchillas).
information was supplied courtesy of a fellow breeder I know:- name Debbie Cave
So get with it members and do as we do. Keep checking the hay etc. I have always done so to make sure it carries no fungal infection. I also buy my hay from a farm where there are no cattle sheep or livestock. The farmer rotates his crop yearly and is way off the beaten track away from traffic ect. Aileen
telephone Aileen (overseas use 44 country code before dialling) mobile - 7519489574 between 7:30pm - 9:30pm emergency anytime up until 11pm uk time zone | 
