Red mites: an all-out strategy?

Four treatments combinations were tested:

1. Predatory mites + amitraz;

2. Predatory mites + amitraz + plant-based supplementation;

3. Predatorymites + milbemectin;

4. Predatory mites + milbemectin + plant-based supplementation.

Two types of predatory mites were released in the housing: Androlaelaps casalis and Cheyletus eruditus.

The populations of poultry red mites were significantly reduced with this triptych: predatory mites / acaricides / plant-based feed supplementation. A similar tendency is observed amongst the aviary rows without being statistically significant. As a sign of the red mites’ high resistance, the infestation returns to its previous level after treatments were stopped. Overall, the effect was not sufficient to totally eradicate the poultry red mites, regardless of the laying hens housing sector.

The combination of the three types of treatment, predatory mites, locally applied acaricides and plant-based feed supplementation is a practical and promising solution. However, this experimental approach needs to be completed by other combinations and evaluated within an industrial environment. Eventually, the poultry red mite eradication cannot be conceived without implementing good practices aiming at stopping upstream its introduction and its spreading inside the building.

Sources: The potential of an integrated PRM (poultry redmite) strategy in practice; Nathalie Sleeckx, Ine Kempen and Johan Zoons ; Experimental Poultry Centre, Belgium.