Prevalence of mites and their impact on laying hen (Gallus gallus domesticus) farm facilities in Egypt, with an analysis of deltamethrin residues in eggs and tissue

Evaluation of acaricidal activity in entomopathogenic fungi for poultry red mite (Dermanyssus gallinae) control

The poultry red mite (PRM), Dermanyssus gallinae, significantly impacts the health of egg-laying hens. Mites feed on the blood of infested chickens and have a great economic impact on the poultry industry. Chemical treatment of mites raises concerns about their resistance to miticides and residues in eggs and poultry. Biocontrol using entomopathogenic fungi is expected to be a chemical-free strategy for reducing PRM infestations. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the effects of various entomopathogenic fungal species collected in South Korea on the inhibition of PRM. Seventeen strains of six fungal species collected from various sources were used to evaluate acaricidal activity against PRM. The results showed that 16/17 strains had acaricidal properties against PRM, of which strains of Metarhizium anisopliae had the highest acaricidal activity. Mites treated with M. anisopliae CBNU 4-2 showed 100 % mortality 5 d after inoculation, followed by M. flavoviride var. pemphigi. The M. flavoviride var. pemphigi CBNU 1-1-1 showed 97.78 % mortality after 10 d of exposure to fungi. The mortality rate of PRM treated with other strains slowly increased and reached its highest value on the 14th day of inoculation. The results of this study provide information on the acaricidal activity of different entomopathogenic fungi against PRM. This information is important for the selection of fungal species for developing biocontrol methods for PRM treatment. These strains could be used for further evaluation of PRM treatment on chicken farms, or in combination with other methods, to increase PRM treatment efficiency.

Phylogenetic position of the pigeon mite, Ornithonyssus sylviarum, with amplification of its immunogenetic biomarkers in Egypt

Ornithonyssus sylviarum (O. sylviarum) is an obligatory, blood-sucking ectoparasite widely distributed among poultry and other mammals, causing significant economic losses. This study represented the first report of molecular genotypic identification of O. sylviarum from pigeons, Columba livia domestica, in Egypt. PCR and sequencing of the 28S rRNA gene were conducted. The resulting mite sequences were subjected to BLAST analysis, revealing 90-100% similarity to O. sylviarum in all tested samples. The sequences were deposited in GenBank under the accession numbers PP049086 and PP033720. A phylogenetic tree was constructed to compare the obtained species with related species worldwide. Additionally, infected pigeons showed increased expression of IL-1, IL-10, IFN-γ, and TGF-β3 genes and elevated serum levels of stress biomarkers. The increased level of these cytokines indicates there was a disturbance in the immune status of the infected host with parasite compared with control healthy ones. This increases the susceptibility to infection with other pathogens.

Spatial Distribution of Dermanyssus gallinae Infestations in Greece and Their Association with Ambient Temperature, Humidity, and Altitude

Dermanyssus gallinae, the poultry red mite (PRM), is the most prevalent and harmful ectoparasite of laying hens globally. Although prevalence and risk factor studies can help veterinarians make decisions regarding farm treatments, relevant data are scarce. The present study investigated the prevalence and infestation severity of PRM in poultry farms across Greece and examined potential risk factors. AviVet traps were used to sample 84 farms (51 backyard, 33 industrial) over three years. Farm altitude, temperature, humidity, region, and production systems were assessed as potential risk factors with chi-square tests, initially for all the studied farms and then exclusively for backyard farms. The overall prevalence was 75.0% and was higher in backyard farms (80.4%) compared with industrial ones (66.7%), varying regionally from 66.7 to 90.9%. Altitude and temperature were not significant risk factors, but farms with humidity <60% had a lower infestation risk. Infestation severity did not significantly differ by risk factors. The poultry red mite is highly prevalent across Greek poultry production systems and regions. In the future, global warming, reduced acaricide options, and a ban on cage systems will all threaten a wider spatio-temporal distribution of the PRM, justifying the urgent need for effective monitoring and control methods to protect hen production and welfare and workers' health.

Distribution and Elimination of Deltamethrin Toxicity in Laying Hens

Deltamethrin, an important pyrethroid insecticide, is frequently detected in human samples. This study aims to assess the potential effects of deltamethrin on human health and investigate the patterns of residue enrichment and elimination in 112 healthy laying hens. These hens were administered 20 mg·kg-1 deltamethrin based on their body weight. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used to investigate the residue enrichment pattern and elimination pattern of deltamethrin in the hens. The results indicated a significant increase in the concentration of deltamethrin in chicken manure during the treatment period. By the 14th day of administration, the concentration of deltamethrin in the stool reached 13,510.9 ± 172.24 μg·kg-1, with a fecal excretion rate of 67.56%. The pulmonary deltamethrin concentration was the second highest at 3844.98 ± 297.14 μg·kg-1. These findings suggest that chicken feces contain substantial amounts of deltamethrin after 14 days of continuous administration, and that it can easily transfer to the lungs. After 21 days of drug withdrawal, the residual concentration of deltamethrin in the fat of laying hens was 904.25 ± 295.32 μg·kg-1, with a half-life of 17 days and a slow elimination rate. In contrast, the lungs showed relatively low elimination half-lives of 0.2083 days, indicating faster elimination of deltamethrin in this tissue. These results highlight differences in the rate of deltamethrin elimination in different tissues during drug withdrawal. The fat of laying hens exhibited the highest residue of deltamethrin and the slowest elimination rate, while the lungs showed the fastest elimination rate. Moreover, deltamethrin was found to accumulate in the edible tissues of eggs and laying hens, suggesting that humans may be exposed to deltamethrin through food.

The heart as a target for deltamethrin toxicity: Inhibition of Nrf2/HO-1 pathway induces oxidative stress and results in inflammation and apoptosis

As a synthetic pyrethroid pesticide, deltamethrin (DLM) is widely employed in veterinary medicine and farming, and DLM-triggered oxidative stress largely causes serious harm to the organism. It is well-known that nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2/heme oxygenase-1 (Nrf2/HO-1), a pivotal endogenous anti-oxidative pathway, acts on inhibiting oxidative stress-induced cell injury under the activated state. The purpose of this research was to observe the impact and molecular mechanism of DLM on inflammation and apoptosis in quail cardiomyocytes based on the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling route. In this research, quails were established as a cardiac injury model through gastric infusion of various doses of DLM (0, 15, 30, and 45 mg/kg b. w.) for 12 weeks. Our results showed that DLM could induced cardiomyocyte injury in a dose-dependent manner though weakening antioxidant defense via down-regulating Nrf2 and its downstream protein HO-1. Furthermore, DLM stimulation induced apoptosis in quail heart by decreasing the protein expressions of B-cell lymphoma-extra large and B-cell lymphoma gene 2 (Bcl-2), as well as increasing P53, caspase 3, and Bcl-2-associated X protein levels. Meanwhile, relative levels of nuclear factor-kappa B and interleukin-1β in quail hearts were up-regulated under DLM intervention progressively. Collectively, our study demonstrates that chronic exposure to DLM can induce quail cardiomyocyte inflammation and apoptosis by mediating Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway-related oxidative stress.

Low host specificity of Hippobosca equina infestation in different domestic animals and pigeon

This study aimed to highlight the low host specificity of Hippobosca equina (H. equina) that poses a danger in diseases transmission between different animal species as well as, identification of the collected flies using light microscope and molecular characterization of H. equina in Egypt. Two hundred and forty flies were collected weekly from different animal species from El-Faiyum, Al Qalyubia and Kafr El-Sheikh Governorates, Egypt at the period from May to September of 2020. Insects were phenotypically and genetically identified then classified into 170 (70.8%) males and 70 (29.2%) females. The highest prevalence of H. equina was noticed from mid-June to the end of August. The sequencing of COI gene of five H. equina fly collected from different hosts as (horse, pigeon, cattle, buffalo, and donkey) were submitted to the GenBank under the accession numbers of MZ452239, MZ452240, MZ461943, MZ461944, and MZ461945, respectively. For insect infestation control, fipronil and deltamethrin is monthly sprayed for animals, birds and their circumference give a best result in our control study in the field. Deltamethrin showed a success in the elimination process and control measures of external parasites of pigeon.

Cross-sectional seasonal prevalence and relative risk of ectoparasitic infestations of rodents in North Sinai, Egypt

Background and Aim:

Rodents are ubiquitous animals that host ectoparasites and transmit zoonotic diseases. We conducted a cross-sectional study on the seasonal variation, period prevalence (Pp), and relative risk of ectoparasitic infestations in rodents collected in North Sinai, Egypt, from September 2019 to August 2020.

Materials and Methods:

We captured 380 rodents during the study period. Rodents were euthanized to perform species identification, and 2930 external parasites were collected and identified using light microscopic examination with systemic keys depending on morphological characters.

Results:

Rattus norvegicus (brown rat), Rattus rattus frugivorus (white-bellied rat), Rattus rattus alexandrines (gray-bellied rat), and Mus musculusdomesticus (house mouse) were captured at the highest frequencies during summer (n=186), followed by spring (n=84), fall (n=71), and winter (n=39), with a higher proportion of males captured in all seasons. Analysis of the infestation Pp revealed highly significant increases (p<0.01) in ectoparasites during the winter. Temperature, humidity, and dew point were significantly (p<0.01) correlated with the numbers of captured and infested rodents. Parasitological examinations showed the higher risks of flea (Echidnophaga gallinacea, Xenopsylla cheopis, and Leptopsylla segnis) and lice (Hoplopleura hirsuta, Hoplopleura ocanthopus, Hoplopleura oenomydis, and Polyplax spinulosa) infestations during winter and mite (Laelaps nuttalli, Dermanyssus gallinae, Ornithonyssus bacoti, and Myobia musculi) infestations during summer.

Conclusion:

We conclude that ectoparasitic infestation prevalence and risk varies with predominating macroclimatic conditions. Strict preventive and biosecurity measures should be applied to combat rodent-related problems.

Acaricidal Activity of Annonaceae Plants for Dermanyssus gallinae (Acari: Dermanyssidae) and Metabolomic Profile by HPLC-MS/MS

The poultry red mite Dermanyssus gallinae (De Geer) is the most important haematophagous ectoparasite in the poultry industry. The use of synthetic acaricides for this control is presenting risks related to human food. In this sense, plant secondary metabolites are promising for controlling this pest. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the acaricidal activity of Duguetia lanceolata A.St.-Hil. (stem bark), Xylopia emarginata Mart. (stem bark), and Xylopia sericea A.St.-Hil. (stem bark and fruits) against D. gallinae. Additionally, the secondary metabolite profile of the X. emarginata was analysed by UFLC-DAD-ESI(+)-MS/MS (micrOTOF-QII) and data analysis was performed using the Molecular Networking. In a topical application test, all plant species tested showed bioactivity, in that order of toxicity with the respective probability survival: X. emarginata (stem bark) (0.28) > X. sericea (stem barks) (0.35) > X. sericea (fruits) and D. lanceolata (stem bark) (0.47). The most promising results were found for X. emarginata (LC₅₀ = 331.769 μg/cm²). It is noteworthy that the LC₅₀ of the insecticide cypermethrin was 1234.4 μg/cm², which was 73% higher than that of X. emarginata. The metabolomic profile of X. emarginata revealed the presence of alkaloids, amides, terpenoids, and phenolic compounds. This is the first report of X. emarginata acaricidal activity against D. gallinae and exploratory chemical analysis by untargeted metabolomics and the molecular network of this plant.

Rodent Ectoparasites in the Middle East: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Rodents carry many ectoparasites, such as ticks, lice, fleas, and mites, which have potential public health importance. Middle Eastern countries are hotspots for many emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases, such as plague, leishmaniasis, Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever, and Q fever, due to their ecological, socioeconomic, and political diversity. Rodent ectoparasites can act as vectors for many of these pathogens. Knowledge of rodent ectoparasites is of prime importance in controlling rodent ectoparasite-borne zoonotic diseases in this region. The current systematic review and meta-analysis performs a comprehensive synthesis of the available knowledge, providing an evidence-based overview of the ectoparasites detected on rodents in Middle Eastern countries. Following a systematic search in Pubmed, Scopus, and Web of Science, a total of 113 published articles on rodent ectoparasites were studied and analyzed. A total of 87 rodent species were documented, from which Mus musculus, Rattus norvegicus, and Rattus rattus were found to be the most common. Fleas were the most reported ectoparasites (87 articles), followed by mites (53), ticks (44), and lice (25). Xenopsylla cheopis, Polyplax spinulosa, Ornithonyssus bacoti, and Hyalomma rhipicephaloides were the most commonly described fleas, lice, mites, and ticks, respectively. Based on the reviewed articles, the median flea, louse, mite, and tick indices were highest in Israel (4.15), Egypt (1.39), Egypt (1.27), and Saudi Arabia (1.17), respectively. Quantitative meta-analysis, using a random-effects model, determined the overall pooled flea prevalence in the Middle East as 40% (95% CI: 25-55, I2 = 100%, p < 0.00001), ranging between 13% (95% CI: 0-30, I2 = 95%, p < 0.00001) in Iran and 59% (95% CI: 42-77, I2 = 75%, p < 0.00001) in Israel. The overall pooled louse prevalence was found to be 30% (95% CI: 13-47, I2 = 100%, p < 0.00001), ranging between 25% in Iran (95% CI: 1-50, I2 = 99%) and 38% in Egypt (95% CI: 7-68, I2 = 100%). In the case of mites, the pooled prevalence in this region was 33% (95% CI: 11-55, I2 = 100%, p < 0.00001), where the country-specific prevalence estimates were 30% in Iran (95% CI: 4-56, I2 = 99%) and 32% in Egypt (95% CI: 0-76, I2 = 100%). For ticks, the overall prevalence was found to be 25% (95% CI: 2-47, I2 = 100%, p < 0.00001), ranging from 16% in Iran (95% CI: 7-25, I2 = 74%) to 42% in Egypt (95% CI: 1-85, I2 = 100%). The control of rodent ectoparasites should be considered to reduce their adverse effects. Using the One Health strategy, rodent control, and precisely control of the most common rodent species, i.e., Mus musculus, Rattus norvegicus, and Rattus rattus, should be considered to control the rodent-borne ectoparasites in this region.

Parasitic Mite Fauna in Asian Poultry Farming Systems

The ubiquitous presence of hematophagous avian mites threatens the poultry industry in Asia and worldwide, adversely affecting the quality and quantity of eggs and poultry meat produced by affected flocks. This leads to considerable economic loss and welfare-related issues. The role of these blood-feeding arthropods as disease vectors is increasingly recognized as they may carry important zoonotic and epizootic pathogens. The poultry mites, Dermanyssus gallinae (Poultry Red Mite-PRM), Ornithonysus sylviarum (Northern Fowl Mite-NFM), and Ornithonyssus bursa (Tropical Fowl Mite-TFM) are endemic species across the Asian continent. In less frequency, scaly leg mite, depluming mite, and fowl cyst mite were documented. Considering global climate change and the popularity of backyard farming, the incidence of avian mite infestation is expected to increase as Asian production expands. The TFM may start to colonize sub-tropical nations where the seasonal temperature is comparable to tropical regions. Pyrethroids, organophosphates, carbamates, and macrocyclic lactones are licensed acaricides for use in China, Japan, and India. In recent years, the development of acaricide resistance has compromised the efficacy of chemical control measures. Several botanical acaricides based on plant and fungal constituents are being investigated. Judicious integration of multiple approaches to manage poultry mite infestation is advised. In this article, we review the prevalence, geographical distribution, zoonotic potential, and control measures of avian mites in poultry farms in Asia.

Laboratory and field evaluation of an autoinoculation device as a tool to manage poultry red mite, Dermanyssus gallinae, infestations with Beauveria bassiana

The poultry red mite, Dermanyssus gallinae, is a cosmopolitan ectoparasite in hens and has been considered an important threat to the egg production industry. This study evaluated an alternative to manage poultry red mite populations as a complement to conventional chemical treatments and other control strategies in poultry houses. A simple autoinoculation device prepared with corrugated cardboard (CB) or loofah sponge (LS) as inert supports to anchor Beauveria bassiana conidia was used to aggregate and infect mites from infested poultry houses. In the laboratory, mites gathered inside the traps and the average mortalities by the fungus were higher than 70% in CB and LS traps after 5 and 4 days of exposure, respectively. Conidial viability was around 80% in CB and LS traps after 14 and 60 days under unrefrigerated conditions (26 °C), respectively. Both trap types tied to hen cages efficiently captured fed mites after blood meal, and fungal infection was observed in 65-90% of the mites in field tests. Between 5 and 25% of the mites recaptured in monitoring cardboard traps installed immediately after CB and LS removal were infected by B. bassiana. According to our results, the use of B. bassiana in an autoinoculation strategy is a potential alternative method for D. gallinae control.

Toxicity and effects of essential oils and their components on Dermanyssus gallinae (Acari: Dermanyssidae)

The acaricidal activity of 30 essential oils against the poultry red mite, Dermanyssus gallinae, female adults and behavioral responses of the mites to these essential oils were investigated. Cinnamon bark oil and clove bud oil showed 100% acaricidal activity after 24 h in the 1.3 μg/m² treatment. In addition, four components in cinnamon bark oil and three components in clove bud oil were identified using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Cinnamon bark oil showed the highest LD₅₀ value among all of the components, and eugenol showed 0.97-fold higher relative toxicity (RT) than the other components of clove bud oil. The fumigant effects of both essential oils and their seven components were observed using a vapor phase toxicity bioassay. All the substances showed repellent activity except for cinnamyl acetate, which did not show any repellent response even in the > 10 μg treatment. In the experiment using the T-tube olfactometer with the 10 μg treatment of each substance, D. gallinae female adults responded to all the substances except cinnamyl acetate. However, eugenol and eugenol acetate showed an attractant effect after 240 and 120 min of treatment, respectively. These results suggest that the two studied essential oils and their components may be used as control agents against D. gallinae.