Alternative / External Parasites
-
Mites irritate the birds and can make the flock unsettled and nervy.
-
The incidence of peritonitis may increase and there may be increased vent pecking.
-
Feed intake may be depressed.
-
Heavy mite infestation can depress egg production by up to 5%.
-
Heavy infestation will make birds anaemic due to loss of blood. Birds will be evident in the flock with pale combs and, if severely affected, mortality may increase.
-
There may be loss of shell or yolk colour and, with heavy infestations, there will be evidence of mites and mite faeces on eggs and egg belts which may lead to downgrading of speckled eggs.
-
There may be an increase in floor eggs as birds will be reluctant to use heavily infested nests.
-
Where there is a big problem with mite, there may be problems for egg collectors with skin irritation.
Control strategies involve three broad areas:
-
Treat the houses effectively at site depletion, with an approved and effective product properly applied, to reach into all crevices on equipment, slats and nest boxes. Use a fan nozzle to produce a flat spray.
-
Monitor the house and birds during the life of the flock to allow prompt treatment of the birds and/or accommodation even if only light infestations are identified.
-
Breaking the cycle of reinfection when the house is empty is the most effective approach. A variety of products are now used but not all are licensed for use in animal accommodation or for direct application to birds.
Specialist advice should be obtained for the most effective control.
External Parasites
Red Mite
Red mite is a cause of increasing problems in free range and caged layers. It is particularly severe in the summer months when the weather is warm and mites are able to multiply quickly.
Even light infestations can irritate the birds leading to poor performance and feed intake, in more severe cases infestations can lead to some or all of the following: