Abstract
A preparation of essential oils to control chicken lice (Menopon gallinae) and mites (Ornithonyssus bursa) was developed. Each essential oil was effective against lice and mite in vitro. Citronella oil at the lowest concentration of 0.208 µg/cm2 resulted in a mortality rate of 100% in chicken lice, whereas a higher concentration of cloves, lemongrass, ginger, Makwan oil (0.416 µg/cm2), and Litsea oil (0.832 µg/cm2) was also found to be effective. A 100% rate of mortality for mites was observed using citronella and ginger oil at a concentration of 0.416 µg/cm2. At the same concentration, cloves, lemongrass, Litsea, and Makwan oil exhibited mortality rates in mites of 77.96%, 93.33%, 87.30%, and 93.49%, respectively. The efficacy of citronella oil and ginger oil against lice and mites was further examined in vivo. Citronella and ginger oil affected the rate of decline in lice from day 1 to day 14, whereas the number of mites living in nests declined from day 1 to day 7. The reduction of these parasitic insects may be correlated with the chemical constituents present in each essential oil. The active ingredients likely acted insecticidal agents against both parasitic insects. Moreover, the preparation developed here did not cause any side effects, such as dermatitis and respiratory disorders, during animal trials. Hence, preparations comprised of the essential oils of citronella and ginger can be further developed and used as insecticidal agents to control and/or eliminate chicken lice and mites on commercial farms.
Highlights
External parasites in chickens, such as lice (Menopon gallinae), mites (Ornithonyssus bursa), fleas, bedbugs, ticks, and flies, are currently having a huge impact on the poultry industry (Anshnafi and Shetu, 2004; Buranapim et al, 2018)
The values of specific gravity and refractive index were 0.9005 and 1.487, whereas the optical density value was recorded at -4.00 (Timung et al, 2016)
This study reported on the use of essential oils to eliminate lice and mites on commercially raised chickens
Summary
External parasites in chickens, such as lice (Menopon gallinae), mites (Ornithonyssus bursa), fleas, bedbugs, ticks, and flies, are currently having a huge impact on the poultry industry (Anshnafi and Shetu, 2004; Buranapim et al, 2018). The problems caused by these external parasites represent an important risk factor for the health of farm animals They can result in reduced productivity levels on chicken farms leading to significant economic losses (Arends, 2003; Sofunmade, 2003; Maina, 2005). Infestations with these parasites do not immediately cause death in chickens; the number of parasites on reluctant chicken hosts may cause other problems ranging from minor irritations, a reduction in egg-laying, and debilitation among the animals. Menopon gallinae can infect a wide range of birds including domestic chickens, migratory birds, and guinea fowl As it is more commonly known, the shaft louse mainly feeds on skin and feather debris. Transmission from one animal to another can occur by direct contact with an animal infested with lice
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