Poultry Red Mite Research Articles

Impact of Poultry Red Mite (Dermanyssus gallinae) Infestation on Blood Parameters of Laying Hens

The poultry red mite Dermanyssus gallinae is commonly acknowledged as a serious biological threat to global poultry breeding. This is mostly because of the inefficiency of acaricidal treatments of poultry houses, which does not eliminate the mite population, only constrains it. However, the impact of D. gallinae on poultry welfare is poorly characterized. The biochemical and cytological characteristics of infection are limited mainly to anaemia, decreased levels of triglycerides in the blood and eosinophilia. For the first time, we report the adverse effects of D. gallinae infestation of industrial poultry houses on the functional state of poultry livers. Treatment of poultry houses with acaricidal powder preparation, Wooran-dust 0.7%, containing synthetic pyrethroids (permethrin, S-fenvalerate and tetramethrin), led to the elimination of the mite population and resulted in normalization of most of the haematological and biochemical blood parameters (haemoglobin, erythrocytes, neutrophils, basophils, lymphocytes and AST). Increased eosinophils and ALT were the only indicators of infection in the blood of laying hens, and they remained above normal range until the 22nd day after the beginning of treatment with the acaricidal agent.

An investigation of cross-reactivity between the poultry red mite and house dust and storage mites in dogs with contact with chickens infested with red mites.

The European poultry red mite (PRM) Dermanyssus gallinae, a common ectoparasite of laying chickens and pigeons; it also can feed on other birds, humans and domestic animals, causing clinical signs ranging from mild discomfort to severe dermatitis. Little is known about possible hypersensitivity to PRM or cross-sensitization with house dust or storage mites. Knowledge on possible PRM immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated allergy and possible cross-sensitization with house dust and storage mites may facilitate the clinical approach. The aim herein was to clarify possible evidence of type I hypersensitivity to PRM in dogs and possible occurrence of cross-sensitization with house dust and storage mites. Sixteen dogs with chronic contact with PRM-infested chickens from traditional bird houses and 10 control dogs with no contact with birds. Dogs were subjected to intradermal testing (IDT) and serum specific IgE (sIgE) determination for house dust and storage mites and D.gallinae. The highest wheal score was obtained with 0.1mg/mL D. gallinae extract. Positive IDT reactions to PRM were found in four of 10 control dogs and in 10 of 16 from the chicken-exposed group. SIgE to PRM was detected in one control and in seven dogs exposed to chickens. No significant correlation was found between IDT or sIgE scores to PRM and house dust and storage mites. Contact with PRM-infested chickens may lead to sensitization without allergy, independently from sensitization to house dust and storage mites.

A vaccinology Approach to the Identification and Characterization of Dermanyssus Gallinae Candidate Protective Antigens for the Control of Poultry Red Mite Infestations.

The poultry red mite (PRM), Dermanyssus gallinae, is a hematophagous ectoparasite considered as the major pest in the egg-laying industry. Its pesticide-based control is only partially successful and requires the development of new control interventions such as vaccines. In this study, we follow a vaccinology approach to identify PRM candidate protective antigens. Based on proteomic data from fed and unfed nymph and adult mites, we selected a novel PRM protein, calumenin (Deg-CALU), which is tested as a vaccine candidate on an on-hen trial. Rhipicephalus microplus Subolesin (Rhm-SUB) was chosen as a positive control. Deg-CALU and Rhm-SUB reduced the mite oviposition by 35 and 44%, respectively. These results support Deg-CALU and Rhm-SUB as candidate protective antigens for the PRM control.

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

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.

Reduction in Oviposition of Poultry Red Mite (Dermanyssus gallinae) in Hens Vaccinated with Recombinant Akirin.

The poultry red mite (PRM), Dermanyssus gallinae, is a hematophagous ectoparasite of birds with worldwide distribution that causes economic losses in the egg-production sector of the poultry industry. Traditional control methods, mainly based on acaricides, have been only partially successful, and new vaccine-based interventions are required for the control of PRM. Vaccination with insect Akirin (AKR) and its homolog in ticks, Subolesin (SUB), have shown protective efficacy for the control of ectoparasite infestations and pathogen infection/transmission. The aim of this study was the identification of the akr gene from D. gallinae (Deg-akr), the production of the recombinant Deg-AKR protein, and evaluation of its efficacy as a vaccine candidate for the control of PRM. The anti-Deg-AKR serum IgY antibodies in hen sera and egg yolk were higher in vaccinated than control animals throughout the experiment. The results demonstrated the efficacy of the vaccination with Deg-AKR for the control of PRM by reducing mite oviposition by 42% following feeding on vaccinated hens. A negative correlation between the levels of serum anti-Deg-AKR IgY and mite oviposition was obtained. These results support Deg-AKR as a candidate protective antigen for the control of PRM population growth.

Production losses in laying hens during infestation with the poultry red mite Dermanyssus gallinae

ABSTRACTA research centre with 30,568 laying hens, kept in enriched cages and in aviaries, had become naturally infested with poultry red mites (PRM) in 32 of its 48 bird units. Therefore, at the age of 52 weeks all hens were treated with fluralaner through the drinking water. After this treatment, PRM were no longer observed. As all birds were of the same age, and since production figures were measured daily in all 48 units, this offered a unique opportunity to examine how PRM had affected performance. Statistical analyses were done to compare the evolution of production data from the pre-treatment to the post-treatment period in units that were visually free of PRM or infested with PRM to different levels. Production standards provided by the breeding organizations were used as a reference. The results demonstrated significant posttreatment increases of laying percentage, egg weight, egg mass, percentage first choice eggs, feed intake and body weight in heavily infested hens of one or both housing systems, as compared to the non-infested controls. These data confirm that PRM infestations can impact the main performance traits related to profitability of laying hen farms as well as the hens' general condition.

Metaproteomics characterization of the alphaproteobacteria microbiome in different developmental and feeding stages of the poultry red mite Dermanyssus gallinae (De Geer, 1778)

ABSTRACTThe poultry red mite (PRM), Dermanyssus gallinae (De Geer, 1778), is a worldwide distributed ectoparasite and considered a major pest affecting the laying hen industry in Europe. Based on available information in other ectoparasites, the mite microbiome might participate in several biological processes and the acquisition, maintenance and transmission of pathogens. However, little is known about the role of PRM as a mechanical carrier or a biological vector in the transmission of pathogenic bacteria. Herein, we used a metaproteomics approach to characterize the alphaproteobacteria in the microbiota of PRM, and variations in its profile with ectoparasite development (nymphs vs. adults) and feeding (unfed vs. fed). The results showed that the bacterial community associated with D. gallinae was mainly composed of environmental and commensal bacteria. Putative symbiotic bacteria of the genera Wolbachia, C. Tokpelaia and Sphingomonas were identified, together with potential pathogenic bacteria of the genera Inquilinus, Neorickettsia and Roseomonas. Significant differences in the composition of alphaproteobacterial microbiota were associated with mite development and feeding, suggesting that bacteria have functional implications in metabolic pathways associated with blood feeding. These results support the use of metaproteomics for the characterization of alphaproteobacteria associated with the D. gallinae microbiota that could provide relevant information for the understanding of mite-host interactions and the development of potential control interventions.Research highlightsMetaproteomics is a valid approach for microbiome characterization in ectoparasites.Alphaproteobacteria putative bacterial symbionts were identified in D. gallinae.Mite development and feeding were related to variations in bacterial community.Potentially pathogenic bacteria were identified in mite microbiota.

Acaricidal efficacy of orally administered macrocyclic lactones against poultry red mites (Dermanyssus gallinae) on chicks and their impacts on mite reproduction and blood-meal digestion

BackgroundThe poultry red mite (PRM), Dermanyssus gallinae, is one of the most economically deleterious threats to laying-hen industry worldwide. Macrocyclic lactones (MLs) have been widely used in control of mites in mammals, but the effects of MLs on PRMs are not well studied. The main objective of the present study was to systematically evaluate the effects of three MLs, i.e. eprinomectin (EPR), moxidectin (MOX) or ivermectin (IVM), on PRMs fed on chicks following oral administration.MethodsChicks in treatment groups were orally administrated with EPR, MOX or IVM at a dose of 5.0 mg/kg bodyweight. Chicks in the control group received the carrier solvent without drug. Chicks in each cage were then infested with 200 starved adult D. gallinae. After infestation and feeding for 12 h, engorged mites were collected to evaluate the acaricidal efficacy of the MLs, and its impacts on the reproduction and blood-meal digestion of D. gallinae.ResultsMOX, IVM and EPR demonstrated higher acaricidal efficacies post-treatment compared with the control, i.e. 45.60% for MOX, 71.32% for IVM and 100% for EPR on Day 10. MLs did not have significant effects on the blood-meal ingestion of PRMs, but significantly slowed down blood digestion (P < 0.0001). The oviposition rate, egg hatching rate and fecundity of PRMs in treatment groups were remarkably reduced. Among the three MLs, EPR exhibited the highest performance against PRMs, with an oviposition rate of 1.04%, fecundity of 0.33 eggs per mite and a zero egg hatching rate in EPR treated groups.ConclusionsEPR, MOX or IVM administrated orally to chicks increased the mortality of D. gallinae, significantly slowed down their blood-meal digestion and significantly reduced their reproductive capability which included the oviposition rate, fecundity and egg hatching rate. The present study highlights the potential of MLs in the control of PRMs.

Evaluation of vaccine delivery systems for inducing long-lived antibody responses to Dermanyssus gallinae antigen in laying hens

ABSTRACTDermanyssus gallinae, the poultry red mite, is a global threat to the commercial egg-laying industry. Control of D. gallinae is difficult, with only a limited number of effective pesticides and non-chemical treatments available. Here, we characterize the candidate vaccine antigen D. gallinae cathepsin D-1 (Dg-CatD-1) and demonstrate that purified refolded recombinant Dg-Cat-D1 (rDg-CatD-1) is an active aspartyl proteinase which digests haemoglobin with a pH optimum of pH 4. Soluble protein extracts from D. gallinae also have haemoglobinase activity, with a pH optimum comparable to the recombinant protein, and both proteinase activities were inhibited by the aspartyl proteinase inhibitor Pepstatin A. Enzyme activity and the ubiquitous localization of Dg-CatD-1 protein in sections of adult female mites is consistent with Dg-CatD-1 being a lysosomal proteinase. Using Dg-CatD-1 as a model vaccine antigen, we compared vaccine delivery methods in laying hens via vaccination with: (i) purified rDg-CatD-1 with Montanide™ ISA 71 VG adjuvant; (ii) recombinant DNA vaccines for expression of rDg-CatD-1 and (iii) transgenic coccidial parasite Eimeria tenella expressing rDg-CatD-1. In two independent trials, only birds vaccinated with rDg-CatD-1 with Montanide™ ISA 71 VG produced a strong and long-lasting serum anti-rDg-Cat-D1 IgY response, which was significantly higher than that in control birds vaccinated with adjuvant only. Furthermore, we showed that egg-laying rates of D. gallinae mites fed on birds vaccinated with rDg-CatD-1 in Montanide™ ISA 71 VG was reduced significantly compared with mites fed on unvaccinated birds.RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTSDermanyssus gallinae cathepsin D-1 (Dg-CatD-1) digests haemoglobinVaccination of hens with rDg-CatD-1 in Montanide™ ISA 71 VG results in long-lasting IgY levelsSerum anti-rDg-CatD-1 antibodies reduce egg laying in D. gallinae after a single blood meal

Survey on the prevalence of Dermanyssus gallinae in commercial laying farms in Portugal

ABSTRACTDermanyssus gallinae, also known as the poultry red mite (PRM), is a blood-feeding ectoparasite of poultry and sylvatic birds. This mite is endemic in many parts of the globe and poses a threat to the egg industry, while compromising the health and welfare of hens, both directly and as a vector of diseases. In addition, people attacked by D. gallinae may develop gamasoidosis. Despite the high prevalence in several European countries, epidemiological information on D. gallinae in Portugal is scarce. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and infestation levels in laying farms in Portugal and evaluate the perception and attitudes of producers regarding D. gallinae. A survey was performed between August 2016 – November 2017, which included 24 farms in the NUTS2 regions Centro and Norte. Mites were sampled with corrugated cardboard traps and the perception and attitudes of farmers regarding the PRM were evaluated with the European COREMI questionnaire prepared by WG 1 of the COST action FA1404. D. gallinae was detected in 95.8% of farms (95% CI: 79.8–99.3%). The average number of trapped mites among farms was 5200 ± 16,522, with a median of 359 mites (interquartile range = 46–3135). Results from the questionnaire show that insufficient monitoring, under-detection and late and suboptimal treatment may contribute to the maintenance of significant infestation levels. The present data highlight the need for adequate monitoring of D. gallinae, timely action and effective treatment in order to improve poultry productivity and ensure human and animal health and welfare.RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTSA survey on the prevalence of D. gallinae in Portuguese layer farms is presentedThe perceived importance of D. gallinae was assessed with a questionnaireD. gallinae was detected in 95.8% of farmsThe results emphasize the need for adequate monitoring and treatment optimization.

How can Dermanyssus gallinae (De Geer 1778) (Acari: Anactinotrichida: Dermanyssidae) walk upwards on slippery surfaces?

ABSTRACTScanning electron microscopy observations of the distal leg region of the poultry red mite Dermanyssus gallinae (De Geer 1778) identified the presence of a compound ambulacrum, the part of the leg that contacts the substratum when the mite walks. The ambulacrum is comprised of a praetarsus (the ambulacrum stalk), a pulvillus and two claws. The pulvillus is a weakly sclerotized structure that can be partly expanded or retracted in the praetarsus. When expanded, the pulvillus shows a cushion-like shape which can, as a result of its soft surface, function as a sucker, thus allowing D. gallinae to adhere to a smooth surface. When traversing an irregular surface, or clinging to a soft surface, the mite retracts the pulvillus and uses only its strongly sclerotized movable claws. These observed morphological adaptations explain the ability of D. gallinae to climb upwards on a slippery surface, resist an air flux, walk on smooth and rigid feathers of its avian hosts, and cling to the bird’s or human's soft skin. This knowledge is important to better understand the attachment mechanism of this species to its host and to the substratum on which it moves, and also to provide insight into the circumstances under which it is able to move.RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTSThe ambulacrum is the distal part of the leg touching the substratumD. gallinae’s ambulacrum consists of a praetarsus, a pulvillus and two clawsThe weakly sclerotized pulvillus can be part expanded/retracted in the praetarsusThe expanded pulvillus functions as a sucker to adhere to smooth surfacesThe claws are used to walk on an irregular surface or cling to a soft surface

First record of Aspergillus oryzae as an entomopathogenic fungus against the poultry red mite Dermanyssus gallinae

The poultry red mite, Dermanyssus gallinae, is a blood-feeding ectoparasite that affects egg-laying hens worldwide. Strategies to control this parasite have focused in the use of entomopathogenic fungi, such as Metarhizium anisopliae. However, only a few studies have evaluated the use of Aspergillus oryzae to control D. gallinae and none of them have employed native strains. In the work presented here, a novel entomopathogenic fungus was isolated from a dead D. gallinae. The results of phylogenetic analysis showed 100% similarity between the isolated strain and those of two species, A. oryzae and Aspergillus flavus, and 99.82% similarity with A. parvisclerotigenus, which were in the same branch of the Flavi section of the genus Aspergillus. This entomopathogenic fungus was a non-aflatoxin B1 producer, as shown by the presence of aflatoxin B1 in the conidial infection suspension. Morphological features of fungus in comparison with A. oryzae and A. flavus indicated that the isolated strain belonged to A. oryzae, and was named Aspergillus sp. Dg-1. The pathogenicity of Aspergillus sp. Dg-1 on D. gallinae at different life stages was then assessed under laboratory conditions. The experiments showed that the isolated strain significantly increased the mortality rate in adult mites, up to 24.83 ± 2.25, compared to the mortality rates in the control group, which were 15.17 ± 2.75 (P ＜ 0.05). However, Aspergillus sp. Dg-1 did not have pathogenic effects on the second nymph stage of D. gallinae. Our findings demonstrate that Aspergillus sp. Dg-1 has pathogenic effects on D. gallinae in their adult stage, presenting biocontrol potential against D. gallinae.

Darkness increases the population growth rate of the poultry red mite Dermanyssus gallinae

BackgroundThe poultry red mite (PRM), Dermanyssus gallinae, is one of the most economically deleterious ectoparasites affecting egg-laying hens worldwide. It may be possible to control D. gallinae populations by manipulating lighting regimes within poultry units. However, no studies have clearly shown the effects of darkness on the population growth rate of D. gallinae.MethodsThe effect of darkness on the population growth rate of D. gallinae was investigated, together with the first description of the molecular identity of the mite from China. Mite variables under two lighting regimens (1:23 h L:D and 12:12 h L:D) were compared, including number of mites and eggs, survival and feeding rates, engorgement, oviposition, hatchability and the life-cycle of D. gallinae.ResultsThe results showed that the number of mites (13,763 ± 956) and eggs (5424 ± 317) in the rearing system with prolonged darkness of 1:23 h L:D at 4th week were 2.4- and 3.6-fold higher than those under a conventional lighting regimen of 12:12 h L:D, respectively. The feeding rates of mites under prolonged darkness ranged from 36.7 ± 1.1% to 52.0 ± 7.0%, which were significantly higher than those under conventional lighting regimen (ranging from 22.6 ± 1.9% to 37.3 ± 1.6%). The mean weight of engorged females (0.26 ± 0.01 mg) and the mean number of eggs per female (on average 5.87 ± 0.36) under prolonged darkness were significantly higher than those under conventional lighting regimen (0.22 ± 0.01 mg and 3.62 ± 0.31, respectively). However, the survival rate ranging from 98.07 ± 0.10% to 98.93 ± 0.19%, hatchability of 97.93 ± 0.01% and the life-cycle of D. gallinae (9 days) was not affected by the lighting period.ConclusionsOur findings demonstrated that prolonged darkness significantly promoted the proliferation levels of D. gallinae, resulting in increased number of mites and eggs in the rearing system. The promoted population growth of D. gallinae was found to be related to the increased feeding rate, engorgement level and oviposition level of mites under prolonged darkness. The egg hatchability, the survival rates and the duration of life-cycle of D. gallinae were not affected by the light regimes.

Toxicity and effects of essential oils and their components on Dermanyssus gallinae (Acari: Dermanyssidae).

The acaricidal activity of 30 essential oils against the poultry red mite, Dermanyssus gallinae, female adults and behavioral responses of the mites to these essential oils were investigated. Cinnamon bark oil and clove bud oil showed 100% acaricidal activity after 24h in the 1.3μg/m2 treatment. In addition, four components in cinnamon bark oil and three components in clove bud oil were identified using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Cinnamon bark oil showed the highest LD50 value among all of the components, and eugenol showed 0.97-fold higher relative toxicity (RT) than the other components of clove bud oil. The fumigant effects of both essential oils and their seven components were observed using a vapor phase toxicity bioassay. All the substances showed repellent activity except for cinnamyl acetate, which did not show any repellent response even in the > 10μg treatment. In the experiment using the T-tube olfactometer with the 10μg treatment of each substance, D. gallinae female adults responded to all the substances except cinnamyl acetate. However, eugenol and eugenol acetate showed an attractant effect after 240 and 120min of treatment, respectively. These results suggest that the two studied essential oils and their components may be used as control agents against D. gallinae.

ECTOPARASITE SPECIES COMPOSITION AND SEASONAL DYNAMICS IN DOMESTIC FOWL IN THE KRASNODAR KRAI

One of the topical veterinary problems is infestation of domesticated chickens with ectoparasites. Permanent and temporary ectoparasites are vectors and reservoirs of more than 100 poultry infectious disease agents; they cause outbreaks of contagious diseases, thus decreasing performance and increasing economic losses. The results of ectoparasite fauna study in domesticated chickens in private backyards of the Krasnodar Krai are given. The research was carried out in 2017–2018 in 600 chickens of different breeds and ages in four settlements: Gorkhutor (250 chickens), Industrialny (150), Yuzhny (100) and Svyazist (100). The results of the analysis demonstrated that chickens were infested with the following ectoparasite species: shaft louse Menopon gallinae with the highest invasion extensity of 100% and average invasion intensity of 18.6 parasites; poultry red mite Dermanyssus gallinae (55.7%) with average invasion intensity of 12.5 parasites; two species of scaly leg mites – Knemidocoptes mutans (17.7%) with average invasion intensity of 39.4 parasites; and Knemidocoptes gallinae (17.7%) with average invasion intensity of 35 parasites. Seasonal dynamics of fowl infestation with ectoparasites showed that shaft louse Menopon gallinae was found in spring, summer and autumn on all farms. Mites Dermanyssus gallinae were found more often in spring with maximum invasion extensity of 74.4%. The prevalence of scaly leg mites Knemidocoptes mutans and Knemidocoptes gallinae was as high as 76%. The results of the tests indicate that infestation of domesticated chickens with different species of ectoparasitres can be linked with bad hygiene practice and free access system, creating favourable and stable environment for them. That is why it is necessary to use scientifcally justifed control measures, involving modern insecticides and tools.

Haematophagous mites on poultry farms in the Republic of the Union of Myanmar

Haematophagous ectoparasites of poultry, such as Ornithonyssus sylviarum, northern fowl mites (NFMs), Dermanyssus gallinae, poultry red mites (PRMs), and Ornithonyssus bursa, tropical fowl mites (TFMs) are prevalent worldwide. Although poultry farming is a major industry in Southeast Asia, there are only a few reports concerning the prevalence of avian mites in this region. In this study, we sampled twenty farms in four major poultry farming areas in Myanmar. We detected the mites on six farms, and they showed morphological similarities to NFMs and TFMs. The nucleotide sequences of cytochrome c oxidase subunit I indicated that some mites were NFMs. This is the first report confirming the presence of NFMs and TFMs among the hematophagous mites infesting chickens on Myanmar poultry farms.

A novel, high-welfare methodology for evaluating poultry red mite interventions in vivo

Optimisation and use of a device for the on-hen in vivo feeding of all hematophagous stages of Dermanyssus gallinae is described. The sealed mesh device contains the mites and is applied to the skin of the hen’s thigh where mites can feed on the bird through a mesh which has apertures large enough to allow the mites’ mouth-parts to access to the bird but small enough to contain the mites. By optimising the depth and width of the mesh aperture size we have produced a device which will lead to both reduction and refinement in the use of animals in research, allowing the pre-screening of new vaccines and systemic acaricides/insecticides which have been developed for the control of these blood-feeding parasites before progressing to large field trials. For optimal use, the device should be constructed from 105 μm aperture width, 63 μm depth, polyester mesh and the mites (irrespective of life stage) should be conditioned with no access to food for 3 weeks at 4 °C for optimal feeding and post-feeding survival.

The control program of red poultry mite (Dermanyssus gallinae), today

Dermanyssus gallinae control has so far been predominantly based on acaricides (insecticides) and their efficacy has been decreasing in time due to the development of resistance. D. gallinae is a species that has developed resistance to all current acaricides. Considering this, we can assume that the new acaricide - fluralaner with its evident efficacy, but also with some downsides, will improve the situation in D. gallinae control in the short term. The control of red poultry mite population in intensive poultry production has had an unfavourable tendency for decades. In order for this trend to be stopped and reversed, certain measures must be taken to the control of this disease. It is necessary to eliminate toxicological risks; define the short-term objective (efficient suppression) and the long-term one (eradication); introduce the principles of biosecurity, prevention, and rational control; provide a professional application of formulations and increase the quality of monitoring. The D. gallinae program control integrates all the above specified elements into a whole. In our opinion, the currently used program currently used on farms, based on mechanical control and active influence on technological processes, has a bright future. This type of control can be combined with other efficient methods of mite suppression on farms.

Serum and acute phase protein changes in laying hens, infested with poultry red mite.

The poultry red mite (PRM) is one of the most economically important ectoparasites of laying hens globally. This mite can have significant deleterious effects on its fowl host including distress, anemia, reduced egg production, and reduced egg quality. This study was conducted to evaluate the influence of PRM on the serum protein profile in laying hens and its effect on the acute phase proteins (APPs) to assess their potential as biomarkers for mite infestation. Three APPs: alpha-1 acid glycoprotein (AGP), serum amyloid-A (SAA), and ceruloplasmin (CP) were measured in serum samples collected from laying hens at 12 and 17 wk of age, and then for up to 4 mo after a challenge with PRM (starting at 18.5 wk of age). The serum protein profile (SDS-PAGE/nanoflow HPLC electrospray tandem mass spectrometry) and concentration of individual serum proteins (SDS-PAGE-band densitometry) were also compared. Post challenge there was a positive correlation (r = 0.489; P < 0.004) between the levels of SAA and the PRM numbers. The levels of SAA steadily increased after the PRM challenge and were significantly different than the pre-challenge levels at 28, 32, and 36 wk of age (P < 0.01). The PRM numbers also peaked around 31-33 wk of age. The results for AGP and CP in comparison were inconsistent. Proteomics revealed the presence of 2 high molecular weight proteins in the serum between 12 and 17 wk of age. These were identified as Apolipoprotein-B and Vitellogenin-2, and their increase was commensurate with the onset of lay. No other major differences were detected in the protein profiles of blood sera collected pre and post challenge. We conclude that SAA could be used as a useful biomarker to monitor PRM infestation in commercial poultry flocks and that PRM infestation does not disrupt the production of the major proteins in the serum that are associated with egg formation.

Evaluación del aceite esencial de cilantro (Coriandrum sativum L.) sobre el ácaro rojo de aves Dermanyssus gallinae (De Geer, 1778) (Acari: Dermanyssidae) bajo condiciones de laboratorio

El ácaro rojo Dermanyssus gallinae afecta las producciones avícolas, principalmente de ponedoras, al alimentarse de su sangre. Su control se realiza a través de acaricidas químicos, hacia los cuales aumenta su resistencia. Se evaluó la actividad acaricida de aceite esencial (ae) de cilantro (Coriandrum sativum) a concentraciones de 1, 2 y 3 mg/cm2 a través de bioensayos por contacto sobre adultos de D. gallinae y se comparó con un acaricida químico (Neguvón®). Los ácaros fueron colectados de aves (Gallus gallus L.) de traspatio. Se realizaron seis repeticiones por tratamiento. Estadísticamente, se determinaron los porcentajes de mortalidad y se calculó el anova. Se estableció el porcentaje de la actividad letal. Se estimó la CL50 y el TL50. El ae de cilantro causó el 100 % de mortalidad sobre la población de D. gallinae a los 25 min después del contacto con una concentración de 2 y 3 mg/cm2 y a los 30 min con una concentración de 1 mg/cm2. La CL50 del ae de cilantro fue de 1,3 mg /cm2, con un TL50 de 13 min sobre la población de D. gallinae. Se sugiere el aceite esencial de cilantro C. sativum como una alternativa a los acaricidas químicos para el control del ácaro rojo de aves D. gallinae.