The Poultry Red Mite Dermanyssus gallinae as a Potential Carrier of Vector‐borne Diseases

Abstract

The poultry red mite Dermanyssus gallinae is an obligatory blood-sucking parasite that is considered to be one of the most important ectoparasites in the poultry industry, mainly because it is responsible for important economic losses, leads to a reduction of welfare of laying hens, and may pose a disease risk to humans. As a result of these problems, much of the current research on this parasite targets new methods of control. Less attention has been paid to the importance of D. gallinae as a carrier of vector-borne diseases. Some authors have mentioned the possible involvement of D. gallinae in the transmission (both in vitro and directly isolated from the mites) of viral and bacterial agents. Our research group has demonstrated the presence of Mycobacterium spp. within D. gallinae. DNA coding for Mycobacterium spp. was successfully amplified from unfed adult D. gallinae, larvae, and eggs by using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction targeting the 16S rRNA gene. The results have suggested the possible transovarial and transstadial transmission of pathogens by D. gallinae.

Molecular investigations of cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) in the poultry red mite, Dermanyssus gallinae, in northern Europe and implications for its transmission between laying poultry farms

“…It is of great economic significance and has the potential to cause anaemia and the death of its host if infections are severe enough (Kilpinen et al , 2005). The mite may also carry vector‐borne diseases, including viruses and bacteria (De Luna et al , 2008). The mite visits the host only to feed and spends most of its lifetime hidden in the poultry house (Kirkwood, 1963).…”

“…As D. gallinae spends most of its time off its host, there are several practical issues involved in its eradication. In addition, this parasite may also attack dogs, cats, rodents, horses and humans, causing itching dermatitis and intense pruritus (Williams, 1958; Brockis, 1980; Declerq & Nachtegaele, 1993; Lucky et al , 2001; Bellanger et al , 2008; De Luna et al , 2008; Mignon & Losson, 2008). Infections in humans are particularly associated with workers at layer farms or people residing close to infested nests.…”

Health risks for workers in egg production systems and methods of control

“…Several reports suggest it could have a vector role for viral and bacterial human and animal diseases (Sparagano et al, 2009). As an example, De Luna et al (2008) demonstrated the presence of Mycobacterium spp. within D. gallinae.…”

In vitro efficacy of ByeMite® and Mite-Stop® on developmental stages of the red chicken mite Dermanyssus gallinae

“…Red chicken mites (D. gallinae) are worldwide important agents of diseases in poultry, threatening the health and productivity of many farmed birds De Luna et al 2008). Large amounts of such mites may cause enormous losses of blood (anemia) and diseases by transmitted viruses, bacteria, and/or parasites (Zeman et al 1982;Hoglund et al 1995;Vreeken-Buijs et al 1998;Valiente-Moro et al 2007;Abdel-Ghaffar et al 2008a, b;Mehlhorn 2008).…”