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Lookup NU author(s): Dr Dave George, Dr Olivier Sparagano
This is the authors' accepted manuscript of an article that has been published in its final definitive form by Wiley-Blackwell, 2018.
For re-use rights please refer to the publisher's terms and conditions.
© 2018 The Royal Entomological Society Dermanyssus gallinae (Mesostigmata: Dermanyssidae) is the most harmful ectoparasite of laying hens, represents an occupational hazard for poultry workers, and a growing threat to medical science per se. There is increasing demand for alternative products, including plant-derived acaricides, with which to control the mite. The present study investigated the efficacy of neem oil against D. gallinae on a heavily infested commercial laying hen farm. A novel formulation of 20% neem oil, diluted from a 2400-p.p.m. azadirachtin-concentrated stock (RP03™), was administered by nebulization three times in 1 week. Using corrugated cardboard traps, mite density was monitored before, during and after treatment and results were statistically analysed. Mite populations in the treated block showed 94.65%, 99.64% and 99.80% reductions after the first, second and third product administrations, respectively. The rate of reduction of the mite population was significantly higher in the treated block (P < 0.001) compared with the control and buffer blocks. The results suggest the strong bioactivity of neem, and specifically of the patented neem-based formulation RP03™, against D. gallinae. The treatment was most effective in the 10 days following the first application and its effects persisted for over 2 months. Further studies will aim to overcome observed side effects of treatment represented by an oily layer on equipment and eggs.
Author(s): Camarda A, Pugliese N, Bevilacqua A, Circella E, Gradoni L, George D, Sparagano O, Giangaspero A
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: Medical and Veterinary Entomology
Year: 2018
Volume: 32
Issue: 3
Pages: 290-297
Print publication date: 01/09/2018
Online publication date: 08/02/2018
Acceptance date: 18/12/2017
Date deposited: 26/07/2019
ISSN (print): 0269-283X
ISSN (electronic): 1365-2915
Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell
URL: https://doi.org/10.1111/mve.12296
DOI: 10.1111/mve.12296
PubMed id: 29417605
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