Influence ofDermanyssus gallinaeandAscaridia galliinfections on behaviour and health of laying hens (Gallus gallus domesticus)

Abstract

(1) The effect of infections with Dermanyssus gallinae (poultry red mite or chicken mite) and Ascaridia galli (roundworm) on the behaviour and health of laying hens was investigated. (2) Six groups of 15 pullets (Isa Brown) were kept in indoor pens from 18 weeks of age. Two groups were artificially infected with D. gallinae, two groups with A. galli and two groups were kept as uninfected controls. The hens were observed for behavioural reactions and physiological changes (weight gain and various blood variables) to the parasitic infections. (3) Infections with D. gallinae resulted in reduced weight gain, anaemia and even death of some of the hens. Behavioural changes were also observed, as the mite-infected hens showed higher self-grooming and head scratching both during the day and night. (4) A. galli resulted in a lower weight gain but no significant changes were seen in blood variables or behavioural activities.

Ascarid infections in laying hens kept in different housing systems

“…Adults reside in the small intestine (A. galli) or the caeca (H. gallinarum). Particularly in laying hens, A. galli may cause loss of body weight, increased feed consumption, intestinal haemorrhage, increased mortality by small intestinal obstruction and by synergistic effects with concomitant bacterial infections, and behavioural changes (Ackert, 1931;Ikeme, 1971a, b;Dahl et al, 2002;Kilpinen et al, 2005;Permin et al, 2006;Gauly et al, 2007). In contrast, H. gallinarum hardly ever causes clinical signs, but is an important transport host of the aetiological agent of blackhead, Histomonas meleagridis (McDougald, 2005).…”

The role of volatiles in aggregation and host-seeking of the haematophagous poultry red mite Dermanyssus gallinae (Acari: Dermanyssidae)

“…It may lead to feather-pecking among individual chickens, to unrest and to stress. Reduced egg production, anemia, and eventually death can occur in the most severe cases (Kirkwood 1967;Kilpinen et al 2005). Resistance to acaricides and an increased scrutiny of poultry products for human health hazards (food safety) have limited the options to control the poultry red mite (Sparagano et al 2009).…”

Papağanlarda Dermanyssus Galli̇nae Kaynakli Kani̇bali̇zm

“…Uykusuzluk, irritasyon, anemi, yemden yararlanma kapasitesinde azalma, buna bağlı olarak bağışıklığın zayıflaması ve hatta ölümle sonuçlanabilen doğrudan zararları da bulunmaktadır. Son zamanlarda yapılan bazı çalışmalarda, D. gallinae enfestasyonunun kanatlılarda kanibalizmi tetiklediği de bildirilmiştir (3,4,5).…”