Working group 1: Developing alternative control measures

This working group will improve poultry red mite control practices for the benefit of producers as well as hen health and welfare

Specific objectives:

i. Collate available information on poultry red mite biology, ecology, physiology and mite-host
relationship identifying knowledge gaps to optimise poultry red mite Integrated Pest Management strategies.
ii. Evaluate the potential of novel biological and non-biological strategies and house design that
can be directly or indirectly used against poultry red mites.
iii. Identify avenues for work into protective antigens and immune-responses to poultry red mites in hens.
iv. Identify economic thresholds and optimal Integrated Pest Management strategies for immediate and future use to offer farmers better informed poultry red mite management.

Cross-link questions:

What are the impacts of poultry red mites on the poultry industry and beyond? (cross-links between working groups 1 and 2)
How to compare poultry red mite control methods and monitoring strategies, and harmonize mite collection, identification and prevention across countries? (cross-links between working groups 1, 3 and 4)
Are indicators available that can be used or developed for prediction of poultry red mite infestations?
(cross-links between working groups 1 and 4)
How can the targeted stakeholders use the findings? (cross links between working groups 1, 3, 4 and working group 2)

Further information