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Prevalence and key figures for the poultry red mite Dermanyssus gallinae infections in poultry farm systems

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Abstract

Recent surveys and sample collection have confirmed the endemicity of Dermanyssus gallinae in poultry farming worldwide. The reduction in number and efficacy of many acaricide products has accentuated the prevalence rates of this poultry ectoparasite observed more often in non intensive systems such as free-range, barns or backyards and more often in laying hens than in broiler birds. The lack of knowledge from producers and the utilisation of inadequate, ineffective or illegal chemicals in many countries have been responsible for the increase in infestation rates due to the spread of acaricide resistance. The costs for control methods and treatment are showing the tremendous economic impact of this ectoparasite on poultry meat and egg industries. This paper reviews the prevalence rates of this poultry pest in different countries and for different farming systems and the production parameters which could be linked to this pest proliferation.

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Acknowledgments

Dr. Olivier Sparagano would like to thank the BBSRC, the British Council and the Yorkshire Agricultural Society for partially sponsoring the work at Newcastle University. The work presented by colleagues from Italy and UK was also partially supported by a research grant (Ricerca Corrente 2006—Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Puglia e della Basilicata) from the Ministry of Health, Italy and they would like to thank Professor Annunziata Giangaspero for her scientific inputs. The Dutch team would like to thank the Dutch Product Board of Poultry and Eggs for financing their study.

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Correspondence to Maria Assunta Cafiero.

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Sparagano, O., Pavlićević, A., Murano, T. et al. Prevalence and key figures for the poultry red mite Dermanyssus gallinae infections in poultry farm systems. Exp Appl Acarol 48, 3–10 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10493-008-9233-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10493-008-9233-z

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