Dermanyssus gallinae

Dermanyssus gallinae is an obligate blood feeder that will normally attack its host at night,{{Cite journal|last1=Sokół|first1=Rajmund|last2=Koziatek-Sadłowska|first2=Sylwia|last3=Michalczyk|first3=Maria|date=2019-02-01|title=The influence of Dermanyssus gallinae and different lighting regimens on selected blood proteins, corticosterone levels and egg production in layer hens|journal=Veterinary Research Communications |volume=43|issue=1|pages=31–36|doi=10.1007/s11259-018-9743-z|pmid=30612297|issn=1573-7446|doi-access=free}} but will occasionally feed during the day.{{Cite journal|last=Haag-Wackernagel|first=D.|date=2005|title=Parasites from feral pigeons as a health hazard for humans|journal=Annals of Applied Biology|language=en|volume=147|issue=2|pages=203–210|doi=10.1111/j.1744-7348.2005.00029.x|issn=1744-7348}} Adults are {{cvt|0.75|–|1|mm}} long, with long legs and usually a grayish-white body, which becomes reddish-brown when engorged.{{cite book|last1=Sparagano|first1=O.A.E.|title=Improving the Safety and Quality of Eggs and Egg Products|last2=Giangaspero|first2=A.|year=2011|isbn=9781845697549|pages=394–414|chapter=Parasitism in egg production systems: The role of the red mite (Dermanyssus gallinae)|doi=10.1533/9780857093912.3.394}} After feeding, they hide in cracks and crevices away from light sources, where they mate and lay eggs. Mites progress through five life stages: egg, larva, protonymph, deutonymph and adult.{{Cite journal|last1=Bruneau|first1=A.|last2=Dernburg|first2=A.|last3=Chauve|first3=C.|last4=Zenner|first4=L.|date=June 2001|title=First in vitro cycle of the chicken mite, Dermanyssus gallinae (DeGeer 1778), utilizing an artificial feeding device|journal=Parasitology|language=en|volume=123|issue=6|pages=583–589|doi=10.1017/S0031182001008836|pmid=11814045|s2cid=22213397 |issn=1469-8161}} Under favourable conditions this life cycle can be completed within seven days, so populations can grow rapidly, causing anaemia in badly affected flocks of poultry. Young birds are most susceptible. The mites can also affect the health of the birds indirectly, as they may serve as vectors for diseases such as Salmonellosis, avian spirochaetosis, avian influenza A virus (AIV), and Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae.{{cite journal|last1=Chirico|first1=J.|last2=Eriksson|first2=H.|last3=Fossum|first3=O.|last4=Jansson|first4=D.|year=2003|title=The poultry red mite, 'Dermanyssus gallinae, a potential vector of Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae causing erysipelas in hens|journal=Medical and Veterinary Entomology|volume=17|issue=2|pages=232–234|doi=10.1046/j.1365-2915.2003.00428.x|pmid=12823843|s2cid=24997699 }} D. gallinae can survive for up to 10 months in an empty hen house. Temperatures greater than {{cvt|45|C|F}} and less than {{cvt|-20|C|F}}, have been found to be lethal.{{cite journal|last1=Nordenfors|first1=Helena|last2=Höglund|first2=Johan|last3=Uggla|first3=Arvid|year=1999|title=Effects of Temperature and Humidity on Oviposition, Molting, and Longevity of Dermanyssus gallinae (Acari: Dermanyssidae)|journal=Journal of Medical Entomology|volume=36|issue=1|pages=68–72|doi=10.1093/jmedent/36.1.68|pmid=10071495}}

The mites normally feed around the breast and legs of hens, causing pain, irritation, and a decrease in egg production. Pustules, scabs, hyperpigmentation and feather loss may develop.

If they are present in large numbers, D. gallinae can cause anemia in hens{{Cite journal|last1=Kilpinen|first1=O.|last2=Roepstorff|first2=A.|last3=Permin|first3=A.|last4=Nørgaard-Nielsen|first4=G.|last5=Lawson|first5=L. G.|last6=Simonsen|first6=H. B.|date=2005-02-01|title=Influence of Dermanyssus gallinae and Ascaridia galli infections on behaviour and health of laying hens (Gallus gallus domesticus)|journal=British Poultry Science|volume=46|issue=1|pages=26–34|doi=10.1080/00071660400023839|issn=0007-1668|pmid=15835249|s2cid=12646759}} which presents as pallor of the comb and wattle.

A presumptive diagnosis can be made in flocks of laying hens, usually based on a history of decreasing egg production, anaemia and mortalities in young or ill birds. Blood spots on eggs indicate infestation within the cloaca of an affected hen. Definitive diagnosis is only achieved following identification of eggs, feces or the mites themselves.

There are several methods for preventing infestation in hen houses including:

• Heating the henhouse to temperatures above {{cvt|55|C}}.
• Regular washing down of the housing system.
• Treatment of the walls and floors with silica dust or carbolineum prior to introduction of the new hens.{{cite journal |doi=10.1007/s10493-009-9250-6 |pmid=19221882 |title=Preventing introduction and spread of Dermanyssus gallinae in poultry facilities using the HACCP method |journal=Experimental and Applied Acarology |volume=48 |issue=1–2 |pages=167–181 |year=2009 |last1=Mul |first1=Monique F. |last2=Koenraadt |first2=Constantianus J. M. |s2cid=5309397 |url=http://library.wur.nl/WebQuery/wurpubs/381716 |url-access=subscription }}

Ectoparasiticides can be used to treat affected poultry, these chemical controls, if used, should be used in rotation to avoid the buildup of resistance.{{cite journal |doi=10.1016/S0304-4017(98)00167-8 |title=The poultry red mite Dermanyssus gallinae (De Geer, 1778): Current situation and future prospects for control |journal=Veterinary Parasitology |volume=79 |issue=3 |pages=239–245 |year=1998 |last1=Chauve |first1=Claude |pmid=9823064 }} Organophosphates,{{cite journal | last1=Soulié | first1=Anne-Sophie | last2=Sleeckx | first2=Nathalie | last3=Roy | first3=Lise | title=Repellent properties of natural substances against Dermanyssus gallinae: review of knowledge and prospects for Integrated Pest Management | journal=Acarologia | publisher=Les Amis d'Acarologia (INRA) | volume=61 | issue=1 | date=2021-01-06 | issn=0044-586X | doi=10.24349/acarologia/20214412 | pages=3–19| s2cid=234349312 | doi-access=free }} HAL Id: [http://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-03099408 03099408]. carbamates, and pyrethroids are widely used. The first case of pyrethroid resistance was reported by Beugnet et al 1997 and new cases continue to be reported {{as of|2020|lc=yes}} by Katsavou et al 2020. The insecticide spinosad is effective against mites resistant to the veteran acaricides and can even be used on premises in the presence of the laying hens.{{cite journal |doi=10.1016/j.vetpar.2010.06.035 |pmid=20655147 |title=In vitro and in vivo acaricidal activity and residual toxicity of spinosad to the poultry red mite, Dermanyssus gallinae |journal=Veterinary Parasitology |volume=173 |issue=3–4 |pages=307–316 |year=2010 |last1=George |first1=D.R. |last2=Shiel |first2=R.S. |last3=Appleby |first3=W.G.C. |last4=Knox |first4=A. |last5=Guy |first5=J.H. }} A novel product, Exzolt was introduced in the EU in 2017,{{cite journal |doi=10.1186/s13071-017-2534-5 |pmid=29197422 |pmc=5712167 |title=The acaricidal speed of kill of orally administered fluralaner against poultry red mites (Dermanyssus gallinae) on laying hens and its impact on mite reproduction |journal=Parasites & Vectors |volume=10 |issue=1 |pages=594 |year=2017 |last1=Brauneis |first1=Maria D. |last2=Zoller |first2=Hartmut |last3=Williams |first3=Heike |last4=Zschiesche |first4=Eva |last5=Heckeroth |first5=Anja R. |doi-access=free }} it contains fluralaner, an isoxazoline, and is highly effective against D. gallinae, included those resistant to old acaricides. It is approved for oral administration mixed with the drinking water and has a systemic mode of action, i.e. it acts through the blood of the treated birds. The macrocyclic lactones eprinomectin, moxidectin or ivermectin have been shown to impact mite reproduction and blood-meal digestion in one study,{{Cite journal|last1=Xu|first1=Xiaolin|last2=Wang|first2=Chuanwen|last3=Zhang|first3=Shudong|last4=Huang|first4=Yu|last5=Pan|first5=Tingting|last6=Wang|first6=Bohan|last7=Pan|first7=Baoliang|date=2019-07-12|title=Acaricidal efficacy of orally administered macrocyclic lactones against poultry red mites (Dermanyssus gallinae) on chicks and their impacts on mite reproduction and blood-meal digestion|journal=Parasites & Vectors|volume=12|issue=1|pages=345|doi=10.1186/s13071-019-3599-0|issn=1756-3305|pmc=6624947|pmid=31300011 |doi-access=free }} though other studies found ivermectin to be ineffective except at doses "unfavourably close to those causing toxicity".{{cite journal |doi=10.1016/0304-4017(87)90032-X |pmid=3564341 |title=Systemic efficacy of ivermectin against Dermanyssus gallinae (De Geer, 1778) in fowls |journal=Veterinary Parasitology |volume=23 |issue=1–2 |pages=141–146 |year=1987 |last1=Zeman |first1=P. }}

Predatory mites such as Androlaelaps casalis and Hypoaspis miles can be used to control D. gallinae populations.{{cite journal|last1=Lesna|first1=Izabela|last2=Sabelis|first2=Maurice W.|last3=Van Niekerk|first3=Thea G. C. M.|last4=Komdeur|first4=Jan|year=2012|title=Laboratory tests for controlling poultry red mites (Dermanyssus gallinae) with predatory mites in small 'laying hen' cages|journal=Experimental and Applied Acarology|volume=58|issue=4|pages=371–383|doi=10.1007/s10493-012-9596-z|pmc=3487000|pmid=22773110}}

Exposing mites to carbon dioxide using dry ice and direct-spraying has been proposed as a novel treatment.{{Cite journal|last1=Kang|first1=JeongWoo|last2=Hossain|first2=Md Akil|last3=Jeong|first3=Jiyeon|last4=Park|first4=Haechul|last5=Kim|first5=Jin-Hyun|last6=Kang|first6=Min-Su|last7=Kwon|first7=Yong-Kuk|last8=Kim|first8=Yong-Sang|last9=Park|first9=Sung-Won|date=2020-03-18|title=Application of carbon dioxide as a novel approach to eradicate poultry red mites|journal=Journal of Veterinary Science|language=en|volume=21|issue=2|pages=e37 |doi=10.4142/jvs.2020.21.e37|issn=1976-555X|pmc=7113580|pmid=32233140}}

Vaccines are currently under active development for the treatment of poultry, which seek to "stimulate a protective response" in the birds and increase D. gallinae mortality.{{cite journal|last1=Harrington|first1=David|last2=Canales|first2=Mario|last3=de la Fuente|first3=José|last4=De Luna|first4=Carlos|last5=Robinson|first5=Karen|last6=Guy|first6=Jonathan|last7=Sparagano|first7=Olivier|year=2009|title=Immunisation with recombinant proteins subolesin and Bm86 for the control of Dermanyssus gallinae in poultry|journal=Vaccine|volume=27|issue=30|pages=4056–4063|doi=10.1016/j.vaccine.2009.04.014|pmid=19501789}}

Some plant essential oil products can act as repellents. Birkett et al 2011 and George et al 2009 identify particular plants whose EOs successfully repel D. gallinae.

{{See also|Gamasoidosis}}

File:Dermanyssus feeding skin.png to reach dermal capillaries (not to scale).]]

In humans, D. gallinae infestations are known as gamasoidosis or dermanyssosis.{{cite book|last1=James|first1=WD|title=Andrews' Diseases of the Skin: Clinical Dermatology|last2=Berger|first2=T|last3=Elston|first3=D|date=2015|publisher=Elsevier Health Sciences|isbn=9780323319690|edition=12|page=446|chapter=Parasitic infestations, stings and bites: Gamasoidosis|name-list-style=vanc}} The mites are capable of digesting{{Cite journal|last=Williams|first=R. W.|date=1958|title=An infestation of a human habitation by Dermanyssus gallinae (Degeer, 1778) (Acarina: Dermanyssidae) in New York City resulting in sanguisugent attacks upon the occupants|journal=The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene|volume=7|issue=6|pages=627–629|doi=10.4269/ajtmh.1958.7.627|issn=0002-9637|pmid=13595207}} and reproducing entirely on human blood, so infestations can be persistent. Due to the nocturnal feeding habits of D. gallinae, infested people may experience itching and notice bites when they wake up in the morning.{{cite book|last1=Kos|first1=L|title=Pediatric dermatology|last2=Galbraith|first2=S|date=2011|publisher=Mosby/Elsevier|isbn=9780723436652|editor1-last=Schachner|editor1-first=LA|edition=4th|location=St. Louis, Mo.|pages=1576–1578|chapter=Infections and infestations|name-list-style=vanc|editor2-last=Hansen|editor2-first=RC}} The severity of symptoms vary, with dermatitis,{{cite journal|last1=Rosen|first1=S.|last2=Yeruham|first2=I.|last3=Braverman|first3=Y.|year=2002|title=Dermatitis in humans associated with the mites Pyemotes tritici, Dermanyssus gallinae, Ornithonyssus bacoti and Androlaelaps casalis in Israel|journal=Medical and Veterinary Entomology|volume=16|issue=4|pages=442–444|doi=10.1046/j.1365-2915.2002.00386.x|pmid=12510897|s2cid=21453929 }} pruritus and papular urticaria being common.

Prevention of infestation in human habitation consists of eliminating potential vectors such as destroying pigeon and sparrow nests{{cite journal|last1=Bellanger|first1=A. P.|last2=Bories|first2=C.|last3=Foulet|first3=F.|last4=Bretagne|first4=S.|last5=Botterel|first5=F.|year=2008|title=Nosocomial Dermatitis Caused by Dermanyssus gallinae|journal=Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology|volume=29|issue=3|pages=282–283|doi=10.1086/528815|pmid=18205530|s2cid=205985989 }} and treating infested backyard poultry.{{cite journal|last1=Whitehead|first1=M. L.|last2=Roberts|first2=V.|year=2014|title=Backyard poultry: Legislation, zoonoses and disease prevention|journal=Journal of Small Animal Practice|volume=55|issue=10|pages=487–496|doi=10.1111/jsap.12254|pmid=25109514}}

Elimination of an infestation in a human habitation is best achieved through a combination of eliminating potential vectors (nesting pigeons, backyard poultry, etc.); reducing potential hiding places (rugs, clutter); judicious use of pesticides; consistent use of dehumidifiers to maintain a low humidity environment; maintaining a low temperature in the environment; frequent thorough cleaning; minimizing the amount of time spent in the home; and maintaining excellent hygiene.{{Cite web|url=https://www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/public+content/sa+health+internet/health+topics/health+conditions+prevention+and+treatment/bites+burns+cuts+and+pests/bird+mites/bird+mites+-+prevention+and+treatment|title=Bird mites - prevention and treatment|website=www.sahealth.sa.gov.au|access-date=2020-02-24}}{{Cite journal|last1=Cafiero|first1=Maria Assunta|last2=Barlaam|first2=Alessandra|last3=Camarda|first3=Antonio|last4=Radeski|first4=Miroslav|last5=Mul|first5=Monique|last6=Sparagano|first6=Olivier|last7=Giangaspero|first7=Annunziata|date=2019-09-13|title=Dermanysuss gallinae attacks humans. Mind the gap!|journal=Avian Pathology|volume=48|issue=sup1|pages=S22–S34|doi=10.1080/03079457.2019.1633010|issn=0307-9457|pmid=31264450|doi-access=free|hdl=11586/240540|hdl-access=free}}

Dermanyssus gallinae will also feed on mammals, including cats, dogs, rodents, rabbits, horses.{{cite journal | vauthors = George DR, Finn RD, Graham KM, Mul MF, Maurer V, Moro CV, Sparagano OA | title = Should the poultry red mite Dermanyssus gallinae be of wider concern for veterinary and medical science? | journal = Parasites & Vectors | volume = 8 | pages = 178 | date = March 2015 | pmid = 25884317 | pmc = 4377040 | doi = 10.1186/s13071-015-0768-7 | doi-access = free }} Infestation by D. gallinae is rare in cats and dogs; usually the extremities and the back are bitten, causing itching.{{cite book|last1=Paterson|first1=Sue | name-list-style = vanc | title=Manual of skin diseases of the dog and cat|date=2009|publisher=John Wiley & Sons|location=Chichester|isbn=9781444309324|pages=118–119|edition=2nd|chapter=Dermanyssus gallinae}}

Naturalis Biodiversity Center - RMNH.ART.1252 - Dermanyssus gallinae (de Geer) - Mites - Collection Anthonie Cornelis Oudemans.jpeg|Immature form Nymph I of Dermanyssus gallinae by A.C. Oudemans

Naturalis Biodiversity Center - RMNH.ART.1253 - Dermanyssus gallinae (de Geer) - Mites - Collection Anthonie Cornelis Oudemans.jpeg|Immature form Nymph II of Dermanyssus gallinae by A.C. Oudemans

Naturalis Biodiversity Center - RMNH.ART.1255 - Dermanyssus gallinae (de Geer) - Mites - Collection Anthonie Cornelis Oudemans.jpeg|Male Dermanyssus gallinae by A.C. Oudemans

Dermanyssus gallinae, microscopic view.jpg|Red mite (Dermanyssus gallinae) from a hen, microscopic view

• Acariasis
• Gamasoidosis
• List of mites associated with cutaneous reactions

{{Reflist}}

{{Medical resources

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| ICD10 = B88.0 (ILDS B88.060)

| ICD9 =

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{{Commons category-inline}}

• [https://poultrykeeper.com/external-problems/red-mite/ Red Mite Guide on poultrykeeper.com], A comprehensive guide to identifying and controlling red mite, including life cycle diagram, photos and FAQs.
• [https://keeping-chickens.me.uk/chickens-health/red-mite/ Red Mite Page on keeping-chickens.me.uk], Photographs of typical red mite infestations including macro photograph in backyard poultry coops
• [https://poultrykeeper.com/keeping-chickens/will-red-mite-infest-your-house/ Red Mite infestation in houses] Infestation is not limited to chicken coops.
• [http://www.accidentalsmallholder.net/livestock/poultry/red-mite/ Red Mite Information on Accidental Smallholder] and close up photos for smallholders and backyard chicken keepers.
• [https://en.wikivet.net/Dermanyssus_gallinae Dermanyssus gallinae], at WikiVet
• [https://poultrykeeper.com/keeping-chickens/red-mite-treatment/ Red Mite Treatment]. Information on products being used by back garden poultry fanciers to control Red Mites.

{{Taxonbar|from=Q1272501}}

Category:Mesostigmata

Category:Agricultural pest mites

Category:Poultry diseases

Category:Veterinary entomology

Category:Animals described in 1778

Category:Parasites of birds

Category:Parasitic arthropods of humans

Category:Ectoparasites

Category:Parasitic acari