3rd International Poultry Meat Congress

lood from poultry at night and remains secluded during the day and in cracks and crevices.
When numerous, weight gains and egg production can be reduced. Besides, especially the mites
also can be pests of people working with or around the hens (Jordan, 1990; Kettle, 1995; Ruff,
1999; Sparagano et al., 2009). Unlike Dermanyssus, Ornithonyssus never leaves the host and in
heavy infestations causes blackening of feathers due to excreta and dark egg masses. In heavy
infestations, birds are restless and lose weight from irritation, egg production may be reduced,
and there may be severe anaemia (Jordan, 1990; Kettle, 1995; Ruff, 1999). Mullens et al. (2009)
reported that unmitigated infestations with O. sylviarum overall reduced egg production (2.1-4.0
%), individual egg weights (0.5-2.2 %), and feed conversion efficiency (5.7 %), causing a profit
reduction of $0.07-0.10 per hen for a 10-week period. Mites can also annoy egg handlers and
other persons (Jordan, 1990; Kettle, 1995; Ruff, 1999).
Burrowing mites of the genus Cnemidocoptes may cause feather loss, (depluming itch mite
C.gallinae) or excessive scaliness of the skin, leading to thickening an deven deformation of
the legs (scaly leg mite,C. mutans) (Jordan, 1990). Infestations of C. mutans develops slowly
over many months while the bird loses its appetite and wastes away (Kattle, 1995). Other
mites that may cause problems include some invasive species, which may be found in airsacs
(Cytodites nudus) or subcutaneously (Laminosoptes cysticola) (Jordan, 1990). Small numbers
of Cytodites nudus have no noticeable effect on the host, but in vast numbers they may cause
death. Laminosoptes cysticola bring about the formation of nodules which become calcified on
the death of the the mite, and reduce the market value of the carcass (Kettle, 1995).
The soft tick, Argas persicus which is blood feed for short periods at night, spending most of
their time off the host, hidden in cracks and crevis. Apart from anaemia, anorexia, weight loss
and depressed egg output (Kettle, 1995; Ruff, 1999).
Severel species of flea have been reported from poultry. The sticktight flea, Echidnophaga
gallinacea is unique among poultry fleas as the mouthparts are deeply embedded in the skin
making the adults sessile. The flea is occasionally found in the poultry house (Jordan, 1990;
Ruff, 1999 ).
The common bedbug, Cimex lectularius occasionally attacks poultry. However, large numbers
of this parasite can cause severe effects on production. Although many Diptera will feed on
poultry (mosquitoes, midges, gnats, stable flies), only a few are generally of importance due to
transmit a number of parasites (Ruff, 1999).
A variety of chemical are used for the control of ectoparasites in poultry. Mullens et al. (2009)
reported that early treatment was more effective at controlling fowl mite (O. sylviarum)
infestation; 85 % of light infestations were eliminated by a pesticide spray (Ravap), versus 24
% of heavy infestations. It is concluded that two administrations of phoxim 50 % (ByeMite®)
within a 7-day interval are highly effective against D.gallinae infestations in a stocked poultry
house (Meyer-Kühling et al., 2007). The costs for control methods and treatment are showing
the tremendous economic impact of D. gallinae on poultry meat and egg industries (Sparagano
et al., 2009). In the Nether-lands, Dutch poultry farmers estimated the costs for preventive and
control measures to be €0.14 per hen per round and damage due to RPM because of higher
feed intake, higher mortality, and lower egg quality were estimated as €0.29 per hen per round
(Emous et al., 2005). Application of parasite control measures must thus takes priority attention
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