Identification and geographical distribution ofpyrethroid resistance mutations in the poultry red mite Dermanyssus gallinae.

Evangelia Katsavou,Spyros Vlogiannitis,Eleanor Karp‐Tatham,Damer P Blake,Christina Strube,Ilias Kioulos,Aris Ilias,John Vontas,Wannes Dermauw,Thomas Van Leeuwen

doi:10.1002/ps.5582

Abstract

The poultry red mite (PRM) Dermanyssus gallinae is the most common ectoparasite on poultry and causes high economic losses in poultry farming worldwide. Pyrethroid acaricides have been widely used for its control and, consequently, pyrethroid resistance has arisen. In this study we aim to investigate the occurrence of resistance and study the geographical distribution of pyrethroid resistance mutations across PRM populations in Europe. Full dose-response contact bioassays revealed very high levels of resistance against several pyrethroids (α-cypermethrin, fluvalinate, and cyfluthrin) in two PRM populations from Greece, compared to a susceptible reference strain. Resistance was associated with mutations in the gene encoding the target site of pyrethroids, the voltage-gated sodium channel (VGSC). Mutations, M918L and L925V in domain IIS4-S5 and F1534L in domain IIIS6, were found at positions known to play a role in pyrethroid resistance in other arthropod species. Subsequent screening by sequencing VGSC gene fragments IIS4-S5 and IIIS6 revealed the presence and distribution of these mutations in many European populations. In some populations, we identified additional or different mutations including M918V/T, L925M, T929I, I936F, and F1538L. The latter mutation is a possible alternative for F1538I that has been previously associated with pyrethroid resistance in other Acari species. We report very high levels of pyrethroid resistance in PRM populations from Greece, as well as the identification and geographical distribution of 10 pyrethroid resistance mutations in PRM populations across Europe. Our results draw attention to the need for an evidence-based implementation of PRM control, taking acaricide resistance management into consideration. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

Highlights

The poultry red mite (PRM), Dermanyssus gallinae (De Geer, 1778), is recognized as the most important blood sucking ectoparasite of laying hens and broiler birds worldwide
Domain IIIS6, were found at positions known to play a role in pyrethroid resistance in other arthropod species
M918V/T, L925M, T929I/F, I936F and F1538L. The latter mutation is a possible alternative iew ev for F1538I that has been previously associated with pyrethroid resistance in other mites and ticks

Summary

Introduction

The poultry red mite (PRM), Dermanyssus gallinae (De Geer, 1778), is recognized as the most important blood sucking ectoparasite of laying hens and broiler birds worldwide. A. PRM infestation affects birds by causing feather pecking, anaemia, restlessness, aggression, reduced egg production (increased fragility of the egg shell), blood staining of the eggs or transmission of pathogenic agents.[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 than 90% of Dutch, German and Belgian layer farms and most Northern Greek farms are infested with PRM.[4,5]. PRM infestations have been reported in China, Japan, Australia and Brazil.[6] The high. The poultry red mite (PRM) Dermanyssus gallinae is the most common ectoparasite on poultry and causes high economic losses in poultry farming worldwide.

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