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Trial site : “Sarah Downs” Free Range Eggs, Whitmore Road , Glen Innes, 2370

Farm owners : Peter and Kerry Trow
Trial co-ordinator : Michael Sommerlad, “Poultry Works”

Objective of trial :

To determine the efficacy of “Asorbacide” in the control of external parasites of poultry, particularly red mite (Dermanyssus gallinae).

Target species :

Red mite – a small arachnid measuring 0.7mm X 0.4mm in the adult form. These blood sucking parasites shelter in protected areas away from the birds during the day, coming out and onto the birds as they perch during the night.
Lice – there are four different types of louse infecting chickens in Australia , namely the head, body, shaft and fluff louse, and as the names suggest, each has its own specific site of infection on the plumage/skin of the bird. These parasitic insects spend their lives on the birds, but can also be found in the housing of poultry. An adult body louse is approximately 2.0mm X 0.7mm.

Treatment information :

The “Asorbacide” was applied in two different ways: by metered spreading through a hand operated back pack directly onto the litter; and by hand application, sprinkling the product onto specific areas of the nest boxes (under a removal “ridge” at the peak of the nests) known to be a favoured daytime retreat of the mites.

Installation date : 19 th of April, 2006
Temperature: 22 o C

Ongoing observations:
Date: 8 th of May, 2006

Date: 6 th of June, 2006

Discussion of trial results:

In making the preparations for the conducting of this trial, there were a number of factors that needed to be considered. First, there is a marked difference in the physiology and habit of red mite and the various types of lice to be targeted. Second, the application of the treatment had to be as unobtrusive as possible, as all the poultry sheds treated contained birds in production, and any major disturbance could have caused a temporary cessation in egg laying. Finally, the method of application had to be as simple as possible to ensure that commercial applications could be conducted without the addition of expensive equipment or specialised technical expertise.

When reviewing the trial data, it becomes apparent that there are significant differences in the results achieved between the mites and the lice, with an average 33% reduction in louse numbers recorded, compared to 100% control achieved with the mites. This is probably due to two major differences between the two species;

1. Lice normally spend all their lives living on the bird, where as the mites only migrate onto the birds during the night. This means that there is the potential for a “cycling” of lice from the birds to the trial sites, whilst the mites are forced to remain in the treated environment.
2. The life cycle of the mite may be completed in as little as seven days, whilst the louse may take several weeks to complete its lifecycle (Saif et al, 2003). It is likely therefore, that any sub-adult mites would have undergone ecdysis (a moult) during the time of the trial, exposing the new cuticle to the “Asorbacide” prior to sclerotization (hardening of the exoskeleton).

It should also be noted that this trial was conducted in late autumn/ early winter, when parasite activity may have been diminished.

Summary:

External parasites and particularly red mites can cause significant losses of production in commercial poultry flocks, with over 20% of free-range flocks being affected in some countries (Saif et al, 2003). Traditional methods of control require the application of pesticides to the poultry and their housing, with virtually no recorded incidences of complete control being achieved. This means that repeat treatments are required to maintain a certain level of control.

The use of “Asorbacide” provides poultry producers with a non-chemical method of controlling red mites (and possibly lice) with a single application. Not only does this single application control the parasites present in the shed at the time of application, it also provides ongoing protection for any re-infection that may occur.

Conclusion/recommendation:

In light of the results achieved during this trial, it would be appropriate to suggest that “Asorbacide” be considered as a viable alternative to conventional, chemical means of red mite control in poultry sheds.
However, further work is necessary to determine how best to use the product in the control of lice, and a warm weather trial is strongly recommended.