Ectoparasites

The biology and control of external parasites of poultry causing economic damage to the integrated poultry industry, and recent northern fowl mite (NFM) research are reviewed. Northern fowl mites on inanimate objects may be controlled by fumigation with methyl bromide, increased temperature (49 C for 1 hr), or decreased temperature (−20 C for 5 days). Dipping chickens in aqueous suspensions of carbaryl or stirofos controlled NFM for 6 weeks without exceeding current egg tolerance residues. Feeding chickens reasonable concentrations of systemic pesticides registered for use on dairy cattle in the US, registered anticoccidials, zinc bacitracin, avermectins, and diflubenzuron did not produce systemic control of NFM. Chickens do develop immune responses to NFM. The potential for further development and adoption of these techniques should provide the poultry industry with effective alternatives to existing chemical sprays and dusts.