Proceedings of the Association of Institutions of Tropical Veterinary Medicine Does Control of Animal Infectious Risks Offer a New International Perspective?

Ectoparasites can be significant pests for the poultry industry. The chicken (or poultry) red mite and the northern fowl mite are the most economically important ectoparasites of poultry globally. These mites can have significant deleterious effects on its fowl host including anaemia, reduced egg production, and egg quality. The chicken mites may also act as a vector for pathogens. Molecular biology techniques such as RT-PCR and RLB can be used to screen red mite populations for a wider range of pathogens. Current mite control strategies rely mainly upon chemical methods, but acaricide resistance has been demonstrated in mite populations, and traces have been found on the eggs destined for human consumption. Therefore there is a need to identify novel methods to control for red mite infestations, especially, if the red mite is proven to be a vector of avian pathogens, and also considering the threat of failing current control measures. Our research group is developing a vaccine against the red mite, analyzing cellular and humoral responses after natural and artificial exposure to the ectoparasite. Studies on plant-derived products to be used as repellents are also part of our biological approach to reduce the impact of the chicken red mite.