Red mite

A research grant worth nearly £500,000 has been awarded to the Moredun Research Institute to develop a novel way of studying poultry red mites.

Control of poultry red mite (PRM) has traditionally relied upon use of synthetic pesticides that specifically target ticks and mites – otherwise know as acaricides.

The poultry red mite (PRM) is the most damaging ectoparasite of laying hens worldwide. In Europe, where the infestation rate is over 80 percent the economic cost is estimated to be around €231 million per year.

The prevalence of poultry red mite (PRM) across farms in Europe has been increasing and is expected to continue to increase.

New red mite treatment from MSD Animal Health can be administered via drinking water and has a zero-day withdrawal period for eggs.

Egg producers are being encouraged to consider worker welfare when tackling red mite.

Egg producers are being encouraged to consider worker welfare when tackling red mite.

After extensive trials and research, innovative monitoring traps which showcase accurate red mite infestations can help to warn producers of threshold levels in their sheds; indicating the need for treatment

Treatment with EXZOLT® (fluralaner) improved welfare of chickens by eliminating mites within days of first application; data presented at WVPAC 2019.