Published on May 25, 2021
Hendrix Genetics is joining MiteControl as associated partner
The poultry red mite (PRM), Dermanyssus gallinae, is a major threat to the global egg sector, in particular to Europe. The prevalence of poultry red mite is extremely high and increasing; more than 90% of the farms in North and Western Europe are infected, causing large economic losses. Red mite infestations pose serious animal health, welfare and public health concerns, and negatively affect the productivity of the egg sector.
MiteControl builds on recent research activities in North and Western Europe and aims to develop, test and demonstrate an innovative automated monitoring technique (smart digital farming), necessary for an early warning system to alert farmers that (extra) anti PRM treatments are needed. Through transnational cooperation, MiteControl will bring together multidisciplinary knowledge and skills needed to jointly develop, improve and test innovative promising treatments, included in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs that can be applied on poultry farms directly. Different IPM programs will be implemented and demonstrated on the Experimental Poultry Centre in Belgium and on 10 commercial (pilot)farms across NEW. The IPM programs will likely result in low infestation levels and reduced negative effects on production, animal health and welfare.
MiteControl will also develop a communication strategy for the entire egg sector, this to raise awareness and provide tools and strategies to help controlling poultry (red) mite infestations in chicken barns in Europe and beyond. Hendrix Genetics is proud to become an associated partner of MiteControl and to use our network and communication tools to raise the awareness of MiteControl and to share best strategies.
- Learn more about Integrated Pest Management programs to control red mites
- Learn more about MiteControl
References
Copyright picture: Merck Animal Health
