Poultry red mite (Dermanyssus gallinae) infestation: a broad impact parasitological disease that still remains a significant challenge for the egg-laying industry in Europe

Abstract

Abstract:The poultry red mite, Dermanyssus gallinae, has been described for decades as a threat to the egg production industry, posing serious animal health and welfare concerns, adversely affecting productivity, and impacting public health. Research activities dedicated to controlling this parasite have increased significantly. Their veterinary and human medical impact, more particularly their role as a disease vector, is better understood. Nevertheless, red mite infestation remains a serious concern, particularly in Europe, where the prevalence of red mites is expected to increase, as a result of recent hen husbandry legislation changes, increased acaricide resistance, climate warming, and the lack of a sustainable approach to control infestations. The main objective of the current work was to review the factors contributing to this growing threat and to discuss their recent development in Europe. We conclude that effective and sustainable treatment approach to control poultry red mite infestation is urgently required, included integrated pest management.

Identification and geographical distribution of pyrethroid resistance mutations in the poultry red mite Dermanyssus gallinae

“…A PRM infestation affects birds by causing feather pecking, anemia, restlessness, aggression, reduced egg production (increased fragility of the egg shell), blood staining of the eggs or transmission of pathogenic agents . The economic impact of PRM was approximately 130 million euros in 2004 and increased to an estimation of 231 million euros in 2017 . Over 80% of European layer farms are infested with PRM.…”

“…PRM infestations have also been reported in China, Japan, Australia and Brazil . The high PRM infestation rates in Europe may be associated with recent legislation for the transformation of housing systems in laying hen husbandry in EU member countries, as well as the withdrawal of many acaricide products from the market, due to strict legislation and safety concerns …”

“…plant extracts) . Few acaricide products are however registered for the control of PRM in Europe, depending on the local market and legislation, including organophosphates (phoxim), pyrethroids (cypermethrin, permethrin, deltamethrin), carbamates (bendiocarb), amidines, isoxazolines (fluralaner), abamectin and spinosad …”

“…1,2 The economic impact of PRM was approximately 130 million euros in 2004 and increased to an estimation of 231 million euros in 2017. 3 Over 80% of European layer farms are infested with PRM. More specifically, more than 90% of Dutch, German and Belgian layer farms and most Northern Greek farms are infested with PRM.…”

“…6 The high PRM infestation rates in Europe may be associated with recent legislation for the transformation of housing systems in laying hen husbandry in EU member countries, as well as the withdrawal of many acaricide products from the market, due to strict legislation and safety concerns. 3 The control of PRM populations is primarily based on acaricide applications (sprays, mists and dusts) and a small number of alternative options, including biological control (e.g. acaripathogenic The triplets and amino acids identified in the GRC1 and GRC2 strains that were tested with bioassays are underlined.…”