Evaluation of in-house factors affecting the population distribution of Dermanyssus gallinae in cage and backyard rearing systems by using a modified monitoring method

Spatial Distribution of Dermanyssus gallinae Infestations in Greece and Their Association with Ambient Temperature, Humidity, and Altitude

“…However, no significant differences in the occurrence or severity of D. gallinae infestation were observed regarding altitude when all the studied farms or only the backyard farms were considered. In another study in neighbouring Turkey, backyard poultry farms located at higher altitudes exhibited higher prevalence rates, although the exact altitude of those regions was not specified, and the higher prevalence rates were likely because of other factors [ 22 ]. Furthermore, PRM infestations have been recorded in backyard poultry farms at much higher altitudes than in the current study (i.e., 2880 m a.s.l.…”

“…), indicating that the PRM survives throughout a wide range of altitudes [ 44 , 45 , 46 ]. Overall, farm altitude does not seem to be a risk factor per se for D. gallinae prevalence or infestation severity, while other altitude-related environmental parameters (i.e., temperatures < 5 °C in mountainous regions) could be more important [ 22 , 46 ].…”

“…Prevalence and risk factor studies can help veterinarians, and poultry farmers make evidence-based decisions about monitoring, infestation risk and treatments considering the spatio-temporal distribution of PRM infestations. Data on D. gallinae prevalence in Greece are scarce [ 20 ], and very few studies have investigated PRM infestations in relation to farm temperature, humidity, or altitude worldwide [ 21 , 22 ]. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to investigate the prevalence and infestation severity of D. gallinae in poultry farms in Greece and examine possible risk factors (altitude, farm type, temperature, and humidity).…”