red mite(Dermanyssus gallinae)

D. gallinae poses a significant threat to egg laying hens in many parts of the world, including the US, Europe, Japan and China. In Europe infestation rates average more than 80%, with costs associated with both control and production losses estimated at €130 million per year for the EU egg industry. Production losses are driven by stress to birds and mite populations that may be so high as to result in anaemia and even death of hens by exsanguination. Infestation can also lead to declines in egg quality (through increased shell thinning and spotting) and egg production. Even small mite populations may have significant impact as D. gallinae may serve as a disease vector, with any individual mite potentially harbouring multiple pathogens. Although the absolute vector competence of D. gallinae is unconfirmed, their potential to spread disease should not be underestimated

The rapid life cycle of D. gallinae undoubtedly contributes to its status as a pest. Complete development from egg to adult typically occurs over two weeks, though may take place in less than half this time. Temperatures of 10- 35°C and high relative humidity (>70%) facilitate D. gallinae reproduction and development and weekly doubling of populations is possible in egg- laying facilities where these conditions are often met. Resulting D. gallinae densities typically reach 50,000 mites per bird in caged systems, though can escalate to 500,000 mites per bird in severe cases.

Conventional treatments

Synthetic acaricides such as Organo Phosphates, Carbomates, Pyrethroids are the most common chemicals used against mite infestations, although it must be mentioned that due to some problems, their efficiency and success of their application are becoming more questionable.
Developing resistance against acaricides caused by red mite populations has been ongoing for some years which might make treatment almost ineffective. Furthermore, wrong dosage and improper application of an acaricide can also accelerate the process of resistance development. Using higher dosages of pesticide is also a health risk for the birds and consumers due to possible residues which might be found in eggs and meat. On the other hand, constant changes in legislations in respective countries and a very limited number of pesticides licensed against red mite, make it even harder for farmers to control this pest.

Alternative treatments

An example of a very common treatment against poultry red mite in some European countries is the use of "Inert dusts", a physical treatment based on Silicon Dioxide compounds which blocks the joints between chitin shell and causes the immobilisation of mites. Furthermore, silicate dust enters the respiratory system of the red mites causing suffocation. Choosing the proper product, mixture, particle size, pressure and appropriate application are crucial for a successful treatment. The application of inert dusts in poultry houses causes stress and health problems for birds and staff. The impact and side effects of this treatment should be further investigated.

Great demand for innovation

Unfortunately, the current treatment methods available are not effective enough to keep red mite infestations under control in many poultry farms worldwide. A relatively new study by the livestock research department of Wageningen University in the Netherlands, confirmed that a high percentage of farms in European countries have severe poultry red mite infestations. The European ban on conventional cages and the move towards keeping laying hens in alternative systems like free-range is making the situation even more difficult. As this system is favoured by parasites such as red mites. These kinds of systems give mites more hiding possibilities, enabling them to escape control methods more easily. In conclusion, there remains a great demand for developing more useful effective and innovative treatments to keep red mite infestations under control.

[WAKUMOSU] International patent number PCT/JP2015/079361

• Just set the trap and catch a large quantity of a red mite efficiently for disposal.
  (No pesticides or chemicals used. No worries of red mites building a resistance.)
• The trap allows you to objectively count the number of red mites caught, enabling easy monitoring of infestation.
  It can be disposed of with fowl manure, so there is no need for waste disposal. And makes a quality fertilizer and value added fertilizer!

Measures against poultry red mite not dependent on insecticide.

Sampling of red mites using "WAKUMOSU" in Japan.