How to deal with mites in broilers? - briefly
Implement regular sanitation, litter replacement, and environmental controls, coupled with approved acaricides applied according to veterinary guidelines. Monitor birds weekly for signs of infestation and adjust management practices to maintain low mite populations.
How to deal with mites in broilers? - in detail
Mite infestations in broiler flocks cause skin irritation, reduced feed conversion, and increased mortality. The most common species are the poultry red mite (Dermanyssus gallinae) and the northern fowl mite (Ornithonyssus sylviarum). Early detection prevents extensive economic loss.
Inspection includes visual examination of birds for erythema and feather loss, placement of sticky traps near perches, and periodic sampling of litter. Quantitative thresholds guide intervention decisions.
Control strategies combine sanitation, chemical treatment, and biological agents.
- Remove organic debris from housing; replace litter at least every 30 days.
- Apply diatomaceous earth or silica‑based dusts to cracks and crevices after thorough cleaning.
- Use licensed acaricides (e.g., pyrethroids, organophosphates) according to label intervals; rotate active ingredients to avoid resistance.
- Introduce predatory mites (e.g., Hypoaspis miles) to suppress pest populations in the environment.
- Implement temperature‑based disinfection: heat litter to 55 °C for a minimum of 2 hours or freeze to ‑20 °C for 48 hours.
- Seal gaps in housing structures to limit mite migration between compartments.
Integrated pest management requires monitoring, record‑keeping of treatment efficacy, and adjustment of protocols based on mite counts. Consistent application of these measures maintains low infestation levels and supports optimal growth performance.