Validation of an automated mite counter for Dermanyssus gallinae in experimental laying hen cages

Abstract

For integrated pest management (IPM) programs to be maximally effective, monitoring of the growth and decline of the pest populations is essential. Here, we present the validation results of a new automated monitoring device for the poultry red mite (Dermanyssus gallinae), a serious pest in laying hen facilities world-wide. This monitoring device (called an "automated mite counter") was validated in experimental laying hen cages with live birds and a growing population of D. gallinae. This validation study resulted in 17 data points of 'number of mites counted' by the automated mite counter and the 'number of mites present' in the experimental laying hen cages. The study demonstrated that the automated mite counter was able to track the D. gallinae population effectively. A wider evaluation showed that this automated mite counter can become a useful tool in IPM of D. gallinae in laying hen facilities.

Fig. 1

Schematic cross-section of the experimental laying hen cage

Fig. 2

Schematic cross-sectional view of the automated mite counter, including an opening (diameter approximately 1–1.5 mm) to the tube (0) in a body (1), comprising a casing and a lid closing the casing, a receiving section, (2) a sensor device for counting the passing mites (3), an electronic processor (4), a tube (5), filter (6), a removal device using air suction (7) and a power and data cable (8)

Fig. 3

Measured data points for cage 1–9 and modelled relationship (line) for the number of mites present in the cages versus the number of mites counted (both ln transformed)

Fig. 4

Line showing the regression between the number of mites present in the cages and the number of mites counted (real scale)