Poultry red mite
Significance, effects and key challenges
The poultry red mite (Dermanyssus gallinae) is a tiny parasite with the following characteristics:
- Size: only 0.6 — 1 mm — barely visible to the naked eye
- Colour: grey-white during the day, bright red after feeding on blood (hence the name)
- 8 legs — it belongs to the arachnids, not the insects
- Oval-shaped with a flat body
- Hides during the day in cracks and crevices in the house — at night it attacks the chickens
The problem escalates quickly
- Reproduction in 7–12 days
- Barely visible – active at night
- Infestation spreads uncontrollably
Effects on animal health and performance
A heavier infestation is often associated with itching, skin irritation and pain, and can cause restlessness in the flock. In severe cases, anaemia can occur. In practice, links with the following factors have been observed:
- Decline in performance, e.g. laying performance and lower weight gain
- Weakening of the body's own immune system, i.e. increased risk of infections or bacteria, increased mortality
Transmission routes between flocks
Via transport crates, clothing, wild birds, conveyor systems. Farm routines, hygiene and monitoring play a key role in prevention.
Limits of conventional mite control
- Use in an occupied house often not possible / in some cases withdrawal periods for meat or eggs
- Resistance development and respiratory risks for users are also possible
- The problem keeps coming back
How our products fit in
Effective, practical strategies with a systematic approach – supplemented by house hygiene, for fast and immediate mite reduction
