Control of Poultry Red Mite (Dermanyssus gallinae) Infestation in a Layer Farm using a Diatomite Product

Nozomi Takahashi, Hiroko Ikuta, Moegi Kuroda, Natsuki Akashi, Ayako Okada, Yosuke Sasaki, Miona Naka, Tsuyoshi Yamaguchi, Tsuneyuki Masuda

In this study, we examined the resistance of the poultry red mite (Dermanyssus gallinae) against three commercial acaricides, at a layer farm in the Tottori prefecture. We also evaluated the efficiency of a commercially available diatomite product in controlling the poultry red mite from July to December 2017. Poultry red mites collected from the farm showed resistance to all three commercial acaricides. However, the number of poultry red mites caught using cardboard traps was found to decrease following the administration of the diatomite product Furthermore, anemic chickens that were occasionally found on the farm gradually recovered, with very few remaining by December. To limit the damage caused by this mite in poultry facilities, an additional control agent is required, which can be used in combination with the diatomite product

J. Jpn. Soc. Poult Dis.