Live Mites Research Articles

Abundance of domestic mites in dwellings of children and adolescents with asthma in relation to environmental factors and allergy symptoms

Exposure to house dust allergens, mainly from domestic mites, is an important cause of allergic reactions in sensitized asthmatic patients. A total of 63 dust samples were collected from 16 flats in Bytom (south Poland); in each flat a person (age 4–17 years) suffering from bronchial asthma lived with his/her family. Mite density was calculated as the number of specimens per g of dust. The results were compared with household features and the data were statistically analyzed. In total 566 mite specimens were isolated, including 526 members of the family Pyroglyphidae (93%). The dominant species were Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (60% of the total count) and Dermatophagoides farinae (32%). Pyroglyphids were found in all mite positive samples (68%) of which 35% also contained non-pyroglyphids, including glycyphagids, cheyletids and gamasids. The results suggest associations between the density of some mite taxa (per g of dust) and the following indoor environmental factors: presence of pets, number of inhabitants, coal-stoves as a type of heating, cleaning frequency, higher relative humidity, presence of flowers and PVC windows. The severity of asthma seems to be associated with the numbers of D. farinae, total domestic mites and live mites per g of dust.

Notoedric Mange in a Domestic Cat: Application of Ivermectin and Supportive Therapy

Feline scabies is a disease that is caused by Notoedres cati, a sarcoptic mite that injures the skin tissue. The present clinical case relates a notoedric scabies in a domestic cat, clinical observations, diagnostic test, and treatment. A 4-year-old male neutered domestic short haired cat was brought at a veterinary clinic. Alopecia, erythema, scales, crusts and hyperkeratosis were observed on the head, and pinnae and malodorous from lesions were observed in dermatological examination. Deep skin scrapings were collected. Microscopic examination revealed adult live mites presence. Based on the morphology, the mites isolated were identified as Notoedres cati. Ivermectin oral capsules (300µg/kg), repeat dose at 14 days. Bath with chlorhexidine and Benzoyl peroxide every 5 days for two months were applied. Moreover, multivitamin complexes were supplied daily, orally. An immunostimulant 1mL/10kg. IM, again applied two days. A clinical improvement in the cat was observed after administered this treatment. The present study reports notoedric mange in a domestic short haired cat in Colombia. The application of ivermectin with supportive therapy was useful in the treatment of notoedric scabies in this cat. The application of products other than ivermectin showed positive clinical observations in the recovery of this patient with feline scabies.

Efficacy of Oral Sarolaner for the Treatment of Feline Otodectic Mange.

Otodectes cynotis is a mite with a cosmopolitan distribution that is the primary agent for the development of otitis externa in feline species. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the oral administration of sarolaner for the treatment of feline otodectic mange. We used 20 adult cats of both sexes that were naturally infested with O. cynotis. The mite infestation scoring was performed by video-otoscopy before treatment. The cats were randomized according to the infestation score and divided into two groups (treated and control). The treated group underwent oral administration of sarolaner in a single dose of 2–4 mg/kg. The evaluations were performed by video-otoscopy to evaluate the reduction of infestation score 2, 4, 6, 24 and 48 h and 7, 14, 21 and 28 days after medication. At the end of the study, the cats were sedated to enable the recovery of live and dead mites to determine efficacy. No adverse effects or laboratory changes were observed in these cats. Sarolaner showed 100% efficacy 48 h after treatment. Based on the results, a single oral dose of sarolaner was effective in controlling otodectic mange in naturally infested cats.

Peripheral vestibular disease caused by Raillietia auris in a Barzona bull in the USA

AbstractA 2.5‐year‐old Barzona bull presented for right‐sided head tilt and decreased libido of three‐week duration. Video otoscopy of the external ear canal revealed severe erythema, stenosis, purulent debris, necrosis and numerous live Raillietia auris mites. Decontamination via saline lavages, injectable ceftiofur and dexamethasone treatments failed. Topical 10% permethrin solution in mineral oil proved efficacious at killing R. auris mites, and injectable tulathromycin and dexamethasone were administered until resolution of the bacterial otitis; however, the head tilt persisted, and the bull was slaughtered. Systemic administration of ceftiofur was not effective as a sole treatment, and topical antimicrobial treatments were significantly limited per Food Animal Residue Avoidance Databank regulations. Video otoscopy was a useful tool in the rapid diagnosis and management of the otitis. This case highlights the long‐lasting impact of otitis secondary to R. auris mite infestation and the importance of ectoparasite control and rapid treatment of otitis in bovids.

Efficacy of a novel topical combination of esafoxolaner, eprinomectin and praziquantel against Notoedres cati mange in cats.

The therapeutic efficacy against notoedric mange of a topical combination of esafoxolaner, eprinomectin and praziquantel (Nexgard® Combo, Boehringer Ingelheim) was evaluated in a masked, controlled clinical study including 14 cats with natural or induced Notoedres cati infestation. Cats were allocated randomly to two groups of seven cats each, to be administered either mineral oil (placebo control) or NexGard® Combo. Each treatment was administered once as spot-on at 0.12 mL per kg body weight (representing the minimum label dosage of NexGard® Combo, i.e. 1.44 mg esafoxolaner, 0.48 mg eprinomectin, and 10.0 mg praziquantel per kg body weight). Live mites were counted in skin scrapings collected within seven days prior to and 14, 27/28, 42 and 56 days after treatment to calculate the percentage efficacy of NexGard® Combo based on the comparison of mean live mite counts of the two groups. Concurrently, mange lesions and clinical signs were scored to establish a clinical success valuation. No live mites were recovered from any NexGard® Combo-treated cats post-treatment, indicating 100% therapeutic efficacy following a single spot-on administration of the novel antiparasitic combination. The clinical success valuations in the NexGard® Combo-treated cats were 14.3%, 42.8%, 100% and 100% at 14, 27/28, 42 and 56 days after treatment, respectively. No health problems were observed throughout the study.

Doramectin efficacy against Psoroptes ovis in sheep: Evaluation of pharmacological strategies

The aims of this study were to evaluate the efficacy of two injectable formulations of doramectin (DRM) against Psoroptes ovis in sheep infested under controlled experimental conditions and to characterize the DRM plasma disposition kinetics in the infested animals.To this end, sheep were experimentally infested with a P. ovis strain from a farm with a history of treatment failure, and then treated either with DRM 1% (traditional preparation) on days 0 and 7 or with DRM 3.15% (long-acting formulation) on day 0. The efficacy of each treatment was calculated by counting live mites in skin scrapings. Plasma samples were obtained from each animal and DRM concentrations were measured by HPLC. After the two doses of DRM 1%, the maximum efficacy (98.8%) was reached on day 28, whereas after the single dose of DRM 3.15%, the maximum efficacy (100%) was reached on day 35 and ratified on day 42. The long-acting formulation allowed obtaining higher exposure and more sustained concentrations of DRM than the traditional preparation. Although both DRM formulations studied were effective according to international protocols, they did not reach 100% effectiveness in the time required for approved pharmaceutical products against sheep scab, according to Argentine regulations.

A European field assessment of the efficacy of fluralaner (Bravecto\xae) chewable and spot-on formulations for treatment of dogs with generalized demodicosis

BackgroundRecent reports indicate that the isoxazoline compounds have the potential to provide safe and effective treatment of canine generalized demodicosis, a condition that has been traditionally difficult to cure. Controlled field studies are needed to confirm this potential. A study was therefore initiated to investigate the efficacy of a single oral or spot-on treatment with fluralaner, an isoxazoline, compared with multiple topical treatments with imidacloprid-moxidectin, in dogs naturally affected by generalized demodicosis.MethodsVeterinary clinics in 5 European countries enrolled 134 dogs diagnosed with generalized demodicosis. Dogs were randomized to treatment with either fluralaner chewables, fluralaner spot-on, or topical imidacloprid-moxidectin in a 2:2:1 ratio. Both fluralaner formulations were administered once, at the approved dose rate, on Day 0. Imidacloprid-moxidectin was administered per label on Day 0, and every 4 weeks, more frequently if necessary. At each visit (Days 0, 28, 56, 84), dogs were monitored for demodectic mites using deep skin scrapings and observed for health and for severity of skin lesions. Treatment was considered efficacious if more than 90% of the dogs were free of live mites at both Days 56 and 84.ResultsOf 124 dogs completing the study, 57 were diagnosed with juvenile-onset demodicosis and 67 with the adult-onset form. A single treatment with oral or spot-on fluralaner was efficacious, each eliminating mites from at least 98.0% of treated dogs on Days 56 and 84. Against juvenile-onset demodicosis, efficacy of the oral and spot-on formulations was 96.0% and 100%, respectively, and against adult-onset demodicosis 100% and 96.7%. Multiple administrations of imidacloprid-moxidectin were not efficacious, eliminating mites from 87.5% of dogs (92.0% with juvenile-onset demodicosis cured; 81.8% with adult-onset demodicosis). All groups showed a marked reduction in skin lesions by Day 28, with continuing clinical improvement at each subsequent visit through Day 84. There were no treatment-related adverse events.ConclusionsA single administration of fluralaner chewables or fluralaner spot-on is highly effective against with juvenile-onset and adult-onset forms of generalized canine demodicosis. Topically applied imidacloprid-moxidectin at weekly to monthly intervals over the 84-day study did not achieve the proportion of mite-free dogs required to demonstrate efficacy.

Терапевтична ефективність препарату Акаростоп для собак та котів проти акариформних кліщів

This article is devoted to the study of the effectiveness of the preparation, namely Akarostop, with the active substance amitraz and the excipient dimethyl sulfoxide. The research was conducted with the involvement of pets kept in the private sector and housing (dogs and cats). All research results were controlled by observation of the clinical condition of animals and microscopy of scrapings from the affected areas of the skin and ears. The presence of live mites was determined by lightly warming up the slide. The effectiveness of the drug against sarcoptic mange was established in the treatment of 13 dogs, which were treated once a day with a 3 days interval. Clinical signs of the disease began to resolve in 5–9 days after the first application of the drug, which was manifested by the disappearance of hyperemia, a decrease in exudation, and crusting. The efficiency after two treatments was 40%. On the 21st day before applying the drug, single inactive ticks were found in 5 out of 13 animals in their skin scrapes. The efficacy of the drug against Notoedres in cats was determined, which were treated once a day with a 3 days interval. After 8 days of the treatment in cats' skin scrapings, dead mites and single live ones were found, and on the 13th day crusts dried out, fell away, skin became pale pink and dry. The recovery of animals was observed gradually: on the 13th day it amounted to 33%, on the 17th day – 55%, and residually on the 21st day. Thus, the 100% therapeutic efficacy of the drug Acarostop has been established for the five-time treatment of cats against Notoedres. The efficacy of the preparation for otodectosis of dogs and cats was determined by applying 2–3 drops of the drug into the cleaned ear. Clinical signs of the disease 3–4 days after the first application of the drug began to disappear, which was manifested by the disappearance of hyperemia, a decrease in exudation, falling off crusts, and the absence of itching. On days 5 to 9 from the beginning of treatment all animals recovered, which was confirmed by clinical and laboratory tests. After the tests, the animals continued to be observed and no relapses were found within 4 weeks. In the future, we plan to conduct research on an acaricidal preparation with an improved composition and effect, namely, antipruritic, anti-inflammatory and regenerating effect.

Superglue slide impression (SSI) method: a novel diagnostic application for canine demodicosis.

The conventional gold standard diagnostic method for canine demodicosis, the deep skin scrapings (DSS), is traumatic to the animal and appears aggressive in the eyes of the owner. A less invasive, sensitive, easy-to-perform and field-oriented diagnostic method for the rapid diagnosis of canine demodicosis is warranted. The present study aimed to develop a rapid less invasive diagnostic method using superglue (cyanoacrylate adhesive) slide impression (SSI). Ninety-seven client-owned dogs presented with clinical symptoms and signs suggestive of demodicosis were examined using SSI for detection of Demodex mites. A clean microscope slide was taken and a drop of superglue was placed on the slide. Immediately, the superglue-bearing slide surface was applied to the previously squeezed selected skin lesion with gentle pressure for 30 s. The slide was removed from the skin lesion and a drop of immersion oil was placed over the SSI. Another clean cover slide was applied and examined under the microscope at low-power magnification (× 10 lens). Of the 97 dogs, 90 dogs (92.8%) were detected positive for demodectic mites using the SSI method, whereas 86 (88.7%) dogs were found positive using the DSS technique. The SSI method was found to be equally sensitive to the DSS method. In summary, the SSI method is a new quick, sensitive, easy-to-perform, owner- and animal-friendly, less traumatic and field-oriented diagnostic application for demodicosis in dogs. It can be used for harvesting the live demodectic mites and monitoring miticidal therapies.

419 Demodex Mites and Rosacea: Modulation of Inflammation in Skin Resident Cells

Demodex mites are normal residents of the pilosebaceous follicles of healthy human facial skin, at low density, without inducing inflammatory response by skin resident cells (SRCs). When the Demodex population increases, such as in rosacea, an inflammatory response is initiated. The aim of this study is to evaluate how Demodex mites modulate inflammation in SRCs. Skin biopsies from rosacea patients were assessed histologically. Hair follicles were dilated or ruptured, contained mites and occasional inflammatory cells. There was mixed perifollicular inflammation and occasionally mite remnants were found within perifollicular granulomas. Live mites, isolated from human skin surface biopsies, were co-cultured with keratinocytes (HaCaT) or sebocytes (SZ95) for 24 hours at low (1 mite/cm2) and high (5 mites/cm2) densities representing normal and pathologic conditions respectively. Gene expression was analysed by RT-PCR and protein expression by flow cytometry or ELISA. A low density of mites did not induce the release of inflammatory mediators in HaCaT. However, a high density significantly increased the release of TNFα (p<0.01) IL-8 (p<0.05), and CCL2 (p<0.05) in both keratinocytes (n=8) and sebocytes (n=5). Demodex induced TLR2 gene and protein expression (p<0.01) and KLK5 release (p<0.05) only in keratinocytes whereas IL-6 was only released by sebocytes (p<0.05). Our results show that Demodex mites modulate inflammatory responses from SRCs depending on their density. Moreover, keratinocytes and sebocytes respond differently to Demodex stimulus. The contrasting effects on inflammatory responses provide evidence that they co-exist with host cells under normal skin conditions without disrupting the biobalance and have the capacity to induce inflammation when their population is markedly increased as frequently occurs in rosacea.

Off-host survival of Eriophyoidea and remarks on their dispersal modes.

Dispersal of eriophyoid mites is crucial for the successful colonization of new plants. Literature suggests that their long-distance dispersal is through aerial transfer. During dispersal, eriophyoids might be captured in vapor or fine drops of water (perhaps most likely in clouds) where they might be protected against water loss and desiccation, but where they would have no food and be exposed to low temperatures and oxygen concentrations. Considerable resistance of these mites to these stressful environmental conditions is expected and has only partly been confirmed experimentally. The aim of the bioassays conducted here was to assess the survival of five eriophyoid species off their host plants, with poor oxygen availability under two temperature regimes. The bioassays were carried out on live mites dipped into two media used as microenvironments: (1) vaseline oil (used also as control treatment), and (2) water solution of Tween 80 (0.2%) and cycloheximide (50mg/l). The bioassays were performed at 5 ± 1and 25 ± 1°C. The survival of mites was assessed weekly (5°C) or daily (25°C) by counting live and active specimens. The following species were subjected to the bioassays: Aceria caulobia (a stem gall mite), Aceria ficus (a vagrant mite), Cecidophyopsis hendersoni (a vagrant mite), Colomerus vitis (protogyne/male population and deutogyne morphs; a leaf gall mite) and Phytoptus avellanae (a bud gall mite). The survival rate of the mites was higher at 5°C than at 25°C under both experimental conditions. At 5°C, the survival of almost all species was higher in the water solution (up to 6-7weeks) than in vaseline oil (3-5weeks). Longer survival was found for A. caulobia and P. avellanae (gall-making species) than for C. hendersoni and A. ficus (vagrant species). As expected, the deutogynes of C. vitis survived longer than its protogynes. The current results suggest that individuals of some of the tested species are well suited for withstanding cold, starvation and low oxygen rates, which could be found at higher atmospheric layers, within the clouds, allowing them an effective long-distance dispersal.

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE DISTRIBUTION OF DEMODECOSIS OF SHEEP IN SUBSISTANCE FARMINGSOF KABARDINO-BALKARIA

New data were obtained when studying the distribution of sheep demodеcosis in Kabardino-Balkaria. Peculiarities of sheep epizootological were studied from April to November 2018 in household plots. Sheep demodecosis was diagnosed on the basis of epizootological, clinical data and microscopic examination of the contents of demodectic nodules or skin scrapings in which live or dead mites of Demodex ovis were found. A total amount of 210 animals were examined. The prevalence of demodecosis of sheep in Kabardino-Balkaria belongs to epizootic ectoparasites, which manifest themselves with different intensity of invasion. Sheep demodecosis manifests itself enzootic and epizootic with high extensiveness and intensity of invasion with EI – 31,91% and II – 687,67±44,10 spec./100 cm2 of the skin. In the farms of the Baksan, Zolsky and Urvansky districts, the EI of sheep demodecosis was high and amounted to, respectively, 35.71; 28.57; 31.43% with II – 778.4±47.8 spec.; 603.0±40, 4 spec.; 681.6±44, 6 spec. per 100 cm2 of skin. The contamination of sheep with demodicosis in the household farms of the Baksansky district was comparatively more than other areas, due to the long range grazing. In the household farms of Kabardino-Balkaria, sheep demodicosis manifests itself epizootically with high extensiveness and intensity of invasion with EI – 31.91% and II – 687.67±44, 10 spec./100 cm2 of the skin, which requires urgent development of effective measures to prevent invasion.

Efficacy of fluralaner spot-on solution for the treatment of Ctenocephalides felis and Otodectes cynotis mixed infestation in naturally infested cats

BackgroundCats can be infested with several ectoparasite species, especially Ctenocephalides felis and Otodectes cynotis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a single topical application of fluralaner against C. felis and O. cynotis natural infestation in stray (study 1) and owned (study 2) cats in central and southern Italy.ResultsThe number of live fleas found on each cat on Day 0 ranged from 1 to more than 30 (arithmetic mean live flea count = 11.9 in study 1; 14.6 in study 2) while no live fleas were found on days 7 and 84 post topical application of fluralaner. The number of live mites found on each cat on Day 0 ranged from 1 to 42 (arithmetic mean live mite count = 6.4 in study 1; 8.9 in study 2) while no live mites were found on days 7 and 84 post topical application of fluralaner.ConclusionsTopical fluralaner completely eliminated fleas and ear mites from infested cats and was 100% effective against both parasites up to 84 days after treatment.

EFFECT OF AQUEOUS EXTRACT OF Prosopis juliflora ON THE CONTROL OF THE MITE Tetranychus bastosi IN PHYSIC NUT

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficiency, phytotoxicity and residual effect of the aqueous extract of leaves of Prosopis juliflora (Sw.) DC (Fabaceae) for Tetranychus bastosi Tuttle, Baker &amp; Sales (Acari: Tetranychidae) on Jatropha curcas L. (Euphorbiaceae). For the evaluation of the control efficiency, physic nut plants were infested with 30 adult mite females and after 12 days were sprayed with the lethal concentrations (m/v) of the extract (LC50 = 53.45% or CL90 = 85.35%) and with distilled water (control), which corresponded to the treatments. After 24, 48, 72, 96 and 120 hours after application of the extract, two leaves of the lower, middle and upper third of the plants were sampled and the live mites were counted per treatment. The evaluation of the residual effect was done three, 24, 48, 96, 192 and 288 hours after spraying. To evaluate the phytotoxic effect of the extract, scores were given according to the intensity of the symptoms in the plants. Control efficiency was verified throughout the evaluated period, with an average of 81.67% for LC50 and 73.05% for LC90, with no significant difference between the evaluation intervals. The extract had a low residual effect on T. bastosi, but at the end of 12 days the average percentage of oviposition reduction of mite was 49.21% and 68.86% for LC50 and LC90, respectively. The plants did not present phytotoxicity. P. juliflora extract presents potential for the alternative control of T. bastosi in physic nut due to its efficiency on the mortality of this mite, oviposition reduction of females and absence of phytotoxic effect in the plants.

Efficacy of fluralaner plus moxidectin (Bravecto\xae Plus spot-on solution for cats) against Otodectes cynotis infestations in cats

BackgroundThe efficacy of the fixed combination of fluralaner plus moxidectin for the treatment of Otodectes cynotis infestations was evaluated in cats after topical application.MethodsSixteen cats experimentally infested with O. cynotis were allocated randomly to two groups of 8 cats each. One group was treated topically with the fixed combination of fluralaner plus moxidectin at the minimum dose rate of 40 mg fluralaner and 2 mg moxidectin/kg body weight. The other group was treated with physiological saline solution. Before and 14 and 28 days after treatment the ears of all cats were examined otoscopically for live mites and for the amount of debris and cerumen. Twenty-eight days after treatment, the cats were sedated and had both ears flushed to obtain the total number of live mites per animal. Efficacy was calculated, based on the results of the ear flushing, by comparing mean live mite counts in the fluralaner plus moxidectin treated group versus the saline group.ResultsA single topical application of the fixed combination of fluralaner plus moxidectin to cats reduced the mean mite counts by 100% (P < 0.001) by 28 days after treatment. No mites were visible during otoscopic examination at either 14 or 28 days after treatment. All fluralaner plus moxidectin treated cats had less ceruminous exudate 28 days after treatment compared to pre-treatment and 14 days after treatment. No treatment related adverse events were observed in any cats enrolled in the study.ConclusionsSingle topical application of the fixed combination of fluralaner plus moxidectin was highly effective against O. cynotis infestations in cats.

A single subcutaneous administration of a sustained-release ivermectin suspension eliminates Psoroptes cuniculi infection in a rabbit farm

Background: Psoroptes cuniculi mites are the most common ear parasites infesting breeding female rabbits. The suffering rabbits show cutaneous signs of the infestation in the ears and are prone to secondary infections.Objectives: This trial was conducted to eliminate P. cuniculi in farm rabbits with a sustained-release ivermectin-loaded solid dispersion suspension (IVM-SD) suspension, and studied the stability of the formulation.Animals: There were 986 breeding female Hyplus rabbits naturally infected with P. cuniculi.Methods: All rabbits infected with P. cuniculi were subcutaneously administered with a single dose of IVM-SD suspension at 2 mg/kg body weight. Twenty-seven rabbits with severe infections were observed daily and examined on days 0 and 14 to score the lesions and count mites in crusts.Results: Fourteen days after the treatment no live mites were detected, demonstrating 100% therapeutic efficacy. The mean lesion scores decreased from 4.33 to 0.11 in the left ears and from 4.22 to 0.22 in the right ears. No reinfection occurred within 60 days of treatment.Conclusions: A single subcutaneous administration of the IVM-SD suspension at 2 mg/kg was effective in eliminating P. cuniculi infection in the rabbit farm.

SUCCESSFUL TREATMENT OF GENERALIZED DEMODICOSIS IN RED-HANDED TAMARINS ( SAGUINUS MIDAS) USING A SINGLE ADMINISTRATION OF ORAL FLURALANER.

Two adult sibling red-handed tamarins ( Saguinus midas) presented with weight loss and multifocal skin masses. A skin biopsy revealed pyogranulomatous dermatitis with intrafollicular Demodex sp. mites. Subsequent skin scrapes confirmed the presence of live mites within lesions. Initial treatment with topical and oral ivermectin was unsuccessful, and lesions continued to progress. A single dose of fluralaner (Bravecto®, Merck Animal Health, Kenilworth, New Jersey, 07033, USA; 28.125 mg po) was administered to each animal approximately 5 mo after initial presentation. Lesions resolved over the next 3 mo, and all follow-up skin scrapes were negative for both animals. No adverse effects were noted. A single oral administration of fluralaner at 30-35 mg/kg appears adequate and safe for the treatment of generalized demodicosis in red-handed tamarins.

UV-C irradiation as a management tool for Tetranychus urticae on strawberries.

Tetranychus urticae Koch, the two-spotted spider mite, is a highly polyphagous and worldwide pest of many agricultural crops, including fruit, vegetables, and ornamentals. Typical methods of control include applications of acaricides and biological control agents. Here, we present a non-chemical technology for management of T. urticae on strawberry plants through the use of a nightly short-duration ultraviolet-C (UV-C) irradiation treatment. Potted strawberry plants infested with T. urticae that received a nightly 60-s exposure of UV-C irradiation had significantly fewer live mites per mid-canopy leaflet (fewer than five) than untreated control plants (> 175). Furthermore, none of the UV-C irradiated strawberry plants had any spider mite webbing; whereas, 65% of untreated plants were webbed. Tetranychus urticae feeding on untreated plants caused significant yellowing of the leaves compared with UV-C-treated plants. The UV-C irradiation treatment maintained mite populations below the accepted economic threshold of five mites per mid-canopy leaflet. No phytotoxic effects were visible on plants exposed to the short-duration nightly UV-C irradiation treatments. Further discussion is provided on the potential benefits of UV-C irradiation for mite management. Published 2018. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.

Distribution of poultry ectoparasites in industrial farms, farms, and private plots with different rearing technologies

One of the problems in growing and keeping poultry, both in industrial and farm and kitchen garden environments is ectoparasites, which are responsible for lowering the productivity of poultry and causing economic losses. The study of the prevalence and diagnosis of bird ectoparasites on poultry farms with different maintenance technologies is important for the further development of integrated methods for combating them. Our research was conducted during 2006–2017 in 16 regions of Ukraine and the Autonomous Republic of Crimea. In total, 38 poultry farms specializing in egg production with poultry kept in battery cages, 18 poultry houses specializing in egg production with poultry kept on the floor and more than 150 farm and kitchen garden poultry houses for keeping chickens, turkeys, quails, guinea fowl and pigeons were examined. We found that, both with battery cages and when poultry are kept on the floor in poultry farms, the most common ectoparasites are chicken mites (Dermanyssus gallinae), which causes the disease of dermanyssiosis. It was determined that the extensivity of the invasion was, on average, from 56% to 80%. Also, in the chickens and turkeys, mallophages (Menopon gallinae, Menacanthus stramineus), which cause mallophagoses, were detected, and the extensivity of the invasion ranged from 27% to 45%. In farms and kitchen gardens where chickens, guinea fowl and quails were kept, the number of chicken mites in 1 g substrate was more than a thousand live mites, in dovecotes chicken mites were found in 50% to 100% of nests. In chickens and turkeys, besides the chicken mite, bird lice were found. In chickens, extensivity of invasion of M. gallinae, M. stramineus, Lipeurus variabilis, ranged from 15% to 22%, in turkeys, extensivity of invasion of M. gallinae and M. stramineus ranged from 16% to 25%. The scaly leg mite (Knemidocoptes mutans), which causes the disease knemidocoptiasis ("lame leg"), was detected in incubating hens over the age of two years, the extensivity of the invasion ranged from 5% to 7%. It was established that in poultry farms, both in battery cages and when the birds were kept on the floor, the main ectoparasite in chickens, guinea fowl and quail is red chicken mite (D. gallinae), and on poultry farms and kitchen gardens in addition to the chicken mite, three types of bird lice (M. gallinae, M. stramineus, L. variabilis) and K. mutans were found.

Varroa-specific hygienic behavior of Apis mellifera scutellata in Kenya

Varroa-specific hygienic behavior is a hereditary trait of honey bee (Apis mellifera), which supports resistance to Varroa destructor. This study investigated the response of Apis mellifera scutellata to Varroa-infested worker brood cells in Kenya, East Africa. Uncapping, removal of the brood, and disappearance of the introduced mite were recorded in a total of 690 cells into which live mites were introduced. We recorded a high proportion of untouched cells in controls (median, 80%) compared to manipulated cells in which mites had been introduced (median, 12.5%) with a significant difference (GLMM, p < 0.001). Mites were removed and cells were recapped in about 26% of the artificially infested brood cells. When ten, eight, and five mites were singly introduced in closely neighboring brood cells, hygienic bees were more responsive in the high mite density regime of eight and ten mites, an indication of a possibility that chemicals play a role in identification of Varroa-infested brood cells.