VET PARA 1 | Mesostigmatid Mites (Poultry Mites) | Chapter 8.2

Summary

This presentation provides an in-depth look at poultry mites, specifically *Dermanyssus gallinae* (red chicken mite) and *Ornithonyssus sylviarum* (northern fowl mite), focusing on their lifecycle, impact on poultry health, and control measures. These ectoparasites cause significant damage, including blood loss, anemia, and decreased egg production, leading to economic losses in poultry farming. The presentation emphasizes the importance of regular inspections, biosecurity protocols, and the use of acaricides for effective mite control. It also highlights the role of these mites as temporary zoonoses, occasionally affecting humans and other animals.

Takeaways

• 😀 Mites and ticks are both parasitic arachnids that belong to the phylum Arthropoda and subclass Arachnida. Mites are divided into different groups like mesostigmata, astigmata, and prostigmata.
• 😀 Mesostigmatic mites, such as Dermanesus gallinae and Ornithonyssus sylviarum, are known as poultry mites, causing major problems in poultry farming.
• 😀 Poultry mites have a simple life cycle consisting of eggs, larvae, nymphs, and adults, with rapid population growth under favorable conditions.
• 😀 Dermanesus gallinae (roost mite or red chicken mite) infests chickens, turkeys, and wild birds, spreading via birds, nests, and even farm equipment.
• 😀 Infestations of Dermanesus gallinae can cause anemia, irritation, weight loss, decreased egg production, and stress in poultry, leading to economic losses.
• 😀 The Ornithonyssus sylviarum (northern fowl mite) primarily stays on its host and causes severe scabbing, feather matting, and reduced egg production in poultry.
• 😀 A significant challenge in controlling poultry mites is their ability to hide in the environment during the day, making detection and treatment difficult.
• 😀 Control methods for poultry mites include acaricides, which are applied directly to the birds and their environment, and systemic treatments like ivermectin, although these are costly and need repeated application.
• 😀 Prevention and control strategies for poultry mite infestations include regular inspections, using biosecurity measures, and applying insecticides effectively.
• 😀 Biosecurity is critical to prevent the introduction and spread of poultry mites, as eradication is challenging, especially when mites infest other hosts like humans or horses temporarily.

Q & A

What are the key body regions of arachnids?

Arachnids have two main body regions: the cephalothorax and the abdomen, along with eight legs.

What type of metamorphosis do arachnids undergo?

Arachnids exhibit a simple type of metamorphosis known as a hemi-metabolized life cycle, which includes the egg, larvae, nymph, and adult stages.

Which two groups of parasitic arachnids are of interest in veterinary medicine?

The two groups of interest are mites and ticks.

What is the taxonomy classification of mites?

Mites belong to the phylum Arthropoda, class Arachnida, and the subclass Akari, which includes various suborders like Mesostigmata, Astigmata, and Prostigmata.

Which mesostigmatic mites are commonly associated with poultry?

The mesostigmatic mites commonly associated with poultry include *Dermanyssus gallinae* (red chicken mite) and *Ornithonyssus sylviarum* (northern fowl mite).

What are the main features of the respiratory system in mesostigmatic mites?

Mesostigmatic mites have respiratory pores (stigmata) located between the third and fourth legs, which are crucial for their oxygen supply.

What is the life cycle of *Dermanyssus gallinae*?

*Dermanyssus gallinae* has a life cycle that can be completed in as little as one week, including larval and nymph stages. The nymphs and larvae look like adults but have only three pairs of legs.

How do *Dermanyssus gallinae* mites affect poultry?

*Dermanyssus gallinae* can cause anemia, weight loss, decreased egg production, stress, and irritation in poultry, particularly when present in large numbers.

What are the main treatments for *Dermanyssus gallinae* infestations?

Treatment involves using acaricides, high-pressure sprays, and dust for the environment. Systemic control with ivermectin or moxidectin is also effective but expensive and toxic.

How does *Ornithonyssus sylviarum* impact poultry health?

*Ornithonyssus sylviarum* causes blood loss, weight loss, decreased egg production, and scabbing around the vent area. It can also result in soiled and matted feathers.

What are some of the prevention and control methods for poultry mite infestations?

Prevention and control methods include regular flock inspection, using insecticides, cleaning poultry houses and equipment, and applying biosecurity measures to prevent mite introduction.