Poultry red mite (Dermanyssus gallinae) infestation: a broad impact parasitological disease that still remains a significant challenge for the egg-laying industry in Europe

Abstract

The poultry red mite, Dermanyssus gallinae, has been described for decades as a threat to the egg production industry, posing serious animal health and welfare concerns, adversely affecting productivity, and impacting public health. Research activities dedicated to controlling this parasite have increased significantly. Their veterinary and human medical impact, more particularly their role as a disease vector, is better understood. Nevertheless, red mite infestation remains a serious concern, particularly in Europe, where the prevalence of red mites is expected to increase, as a result of recent hen husbandry legislation changes, increased acaricide resistance, climate warming, and the lack of a sustainable approach to control infestations. The main objective of the current work was to review the factors contributing to this growing threat and to discuss their recent development in Europe. We conclude that effective and sustainable treatment approach to control poultry red mite infestation is urgently required, included integrated pest management.

Keywords: Acaricide; Dermanyssus gallinae; Drug resistance; Ectoparasite; Occupational safety; One health; Poultry red mite; Salmonella; Vector; Zoonosis.

Fig. 1

Environmental infestation with poultry red mites. a Red mite cluster on the ceiling of a cage at a laying farm. b Red mites and mite eggs hidden in straw litter from a laying-hen building. High infestation densities make it difficult to successfully control Dermanyssus gallinae using environmental control alone