A review on control and treatment of poultry red mite (Dermanyssus gallinae)

Poultry red mite, Dermanyssus</em>gallinae</em>, is the most important haematophagus ectoparasite in layer and breeder flocks in many countries. Infestation with this obligate parasite, is very common and according to the epidemiological reports, 83 percent of the European farms are infested with this parasite. Also, D. </em> </em>gallinae</em> has been described as the most prevalent and important pest of poultry in Iran. Infestation with red mite can lead to reduced egg production, stress, immunosuppression, feather pecking, cannibalism, anaemia and death. Besides, It has been established that this mite can transmit some pathogens like Salmonella</em>. Furthermore, infestation of human with D. gallinae</em> has been increasingly reported from different countries, including Iran. Although diverse methods have been reported for control of this mite in poultry houses, the main approach has been relied on the use of synthetic acaricides. The objectives of this review study were to investigate the various aspects of the D. gallinae</em> infestation, describe different acaricides and evaluate the effects of each acaricide on this parasite.