Dermanyssus gallinae in layer farms in Kosovo: a high risk for salmonella prevalence

Hamidi, Afrim, Sherifi, Kurtesh, Muji, Skender, Behluli, Behlul, Latifi, Fatgzim, Robaj, Avni, Postoli, Rezart, Hess, Claudia, Hess, Michael and Sparagano, Olivier (2011) Dermanyssus gallinae in layer farms in Kosovo: a high risk for salmonella prevalence. Parasites & Vectors, 4 (1). p. 136. ISSN 1756-3305

Preview

PDF (Article) 1756-3305-4-136.pdf - Published Version Available under License Creative Commons Attribution. Download (232kB) | Preview

Abstract

Background
The poultry red mite (PRM), Dermanyssus gallinae (D.g.) is a serious ectoparasitic pest of poultry and potential pathogen vector. The prevalence of D. g. and the prevalence of Salmonella spp. within mites on infested laying poultry farms were investigated in Kosovo.

Findings
In total, 14 populated layer farms located in the Southern Kosovo were assessed for D. g. presence. Another two farms in this region were investigated 6 months after depopulation. Investigated flocks were all maintained in cages, a common housing system in Kosovo. A total of eight farms were found to be infested with D. g. (50%) at varying levels, including the two depopulated farms. The detection of Salmonella spp. from D. g. was carried out using PCR. Out of the eight layer farms infested with D. g., Salmonella spp. was present in mites on three farms (37.5%).

Conclusions
This study confirms the high prevalence of D. g. in layer flocks in Kosovo and demonstrates the link between this mite and the presence of Salmonella spp. on infested farms.

Actions (login required)

View Item

Downloads