ePrints

Efficacy of a novel neem oil formulation (RP03™) to control the poultry red mite Dermanyssus gallinae

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Dave GeorgeORCiD, Dr Olivier Sparagano

Downloads

• Accepted version [.pdf]

Licence

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.

Abstract

© 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.

Publication metadata

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

Altmetrics

Share