Should the poultry red mite Dermanyssus gallinae be of wider concern for veterinary and medical science?

Abstract

The poultry red mite Dermanyssus gallinae is best known as a threat to the laying-hen industry; adversely affecting production and hen health and welfare throughout the globe, both directly and through its role as a disease vector. Nevertheless, D. gallinae is being increasingly implemented in dermatological complaints in non-avian hosts, suggesting that its significance may extend beyond poultry. The main objective of the current work was to review the potential of D. gallinae as a wider veterinary and medical threat. Results demonstrated that, as an avian mite, D. gallinae is unsurprisingly an occasional pest of pet birds. However, research also supports that these mites will feed from a range of other animals including: cats, dogs, rodents, rabbits, horses and man. We conclude that although reported cases of D. gallinae infesting mammals are relatively rare, when coupled with the reported genetic plasticity of this species and evidence of permanent infestations on non-avian hosts, potential for host-expansion may exist. The impact of, and mechanisms and risk factors for such expansion are discussed, and suggestions for further work made. Given the potential severity of any level of host-expansion in D. gallinae, we conclude that further research should be urgently conducted to confirm the full extent of the threat posed by D. gallinae to (non-avian) veterinary and medical sectors.

Mesostigmatic mites associated with birds and mammals in Iran. A review

“…Moreover, Dermanyssus gallinae, a common parasite encountered on breeding (e.g. chickens) and wild birds, was also reported on mammals (George et al 2015). Its negative impact on human health has been known for several decades as its bites can cause skin irritation and also transmit viral diseases (Baumstark et al 2007;Reeves et al 2007).…”

“…Rattus sp. It is frequently found on mammals associated with humans and therefore, as in the case of D. gallinae, it may pose a threat of transmission of viral diseases to people (Abdigoudarzi et al 2014;Di Palma et al 2012;George et al 2015). For the reasons above, a detailed knowledge on the occurrence of mite species and of host species (especially birds) in Iran is required to help determine risks to humans and to take actions to limit them.…”

“…A number of those species neglected by Kazemi and Rajaei (2013), and included in this catalogue, are freeliving in soil and litter, while others are inhabitants of transient habitats, are associated with other arthropods, or a few are associated with birds, their nests, or with mammals. Since many rodents are reservoirs of diseases, mites occurring on different host species may play an important role in epizootics and in the perpetuation of diseases, such as tularemia, relapsing fever and rickettsial infections (Baumstark et al 2007;Di Palma et al 2012;George et al 2015).…”

Outbreaks of Dermanyssus gallinae (Acari, Mesostigmata) Related Dermatitis in Humans in Public and Private Residences, in Italy (2001-2017): An Expanding Skin Affliction

“…The poultry red-mite, Dermanyssus gallinae, De Geer is a cosmopolitan nidicolous blood-sucking ectoparasite able to infest naturally several species of domestic and wild birds and, occasionally mammals, including humans [2], thus representing a significant medical and veterinary issue [4]. It visits the host temporarily for short blood meals (1-2 hours), typically at night; in daytime, the mite hides away in its close proximity [2].…”

Red mites in backyard chickens

“…During these months, populations can rapidly expand. Each female and her descendants can amount to over 2000 mites within two months (Mul and Koenraadt 2009). …”