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Case report: Tyrophagus putrescentiae (Acari) attacking laying birds in conventional poultry houses

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Abstract

Tyrophagus putrescentiae (Schrank) (Acaridae) is one of the most allergenic mite species worldwide, and it particularly infests household environments, animal feed factories, and food factories. It has been the aim of several studies recently in the healthcare area due to its allergenic potential. However, there had been no records of this species attacking laying birds until this report. This is the first record of adverse reactions in animals triggered by infestations of this species. Therefore, the present study aims at describing the damages and symptomatology of T. putrescentiae infestations on commercial laying hens. Alopecia and dermatitis were symptoms exacerbated by T. putrescentiae infestation starting at 40 weeks old. The presence of this species on hens, as observed in the present study, might be directly related to the accumulation of food and poultry litter on these birds, in their cages, or in the vicinities. Hence, the results might be related to their feeding behavior, which consists of continuous supply of animal feed in these management systems. The present study provides an unprecedented record that reveals the importance and potential for emergency pest status of T. putrescentiae in the poultry industry. Its infestations in poultry houses probably required constant sanitary care and monitoring are required in order to prevent outbreaks of this mite.

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Acknowledgments

The authors are grateful to Universidade do Vale do Taquari—Univates for their financial support and for providing the material required to conduct this study.

Funding

No specific funding is associated with this case report.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Laboratório de Acarologia, Tecnovates, Universidade Do Vale Do Taquari - Univates, Lajeado, 95914-014, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil

    Guilherme Liberato da Silva, Laura Marina Ohlweiler, Matheus Schussler, Aline Marjana Pavan, Noeli Juarez Ferla & Liana Johann

  2. Médico-Veterinário, Salvador Do Sul/ RS, Brasil

    Flávio Renato Silva

Authors
  1. Guilherme Liberato da Silva
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  2. Laura Marina Ohlweiler
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  3. Matheus Schussler
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  4. Aline Marjana Pavan
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  5. Noeli Juarez Ferla
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  6. Flávio Renato Silva
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  7. Liana Johann
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Contributions

GLS, LJ, NJF and FRS designed the study; GLS, LJ, AMP, MS, LMO performed research, laboratory activities; FRS, GLS contributed to diagnosis and writing; GLS and LMO drafted the paper with contributions from all other authors.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Guilherme Liberato da Silva.

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da Silva, G.L., Ohlweiler, L.M., Schussler, M. et al. Case report: Tyrophagus putrescentiae (Acari) attacking laying birds in conventional poultry houses. Vet Res Commun 45, 159–162 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11259-021-09793-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11259-021-09793-4

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