Unusual association between Ornithonyssus bursa (Berlese 1888) (Mesostigmata: Macronyssidae) and Parabuteo unicinctus (Temminck, 1824) (Accipitriformes: Accipitridae) in Paraíba State, Brazil

Ornithonyssus bursa (Berlese, 1888), known as the tropical fowl mite, is a hematophagous mite of domestic and wild birds. This mite can bite humans accidentally, causing “gamasoidosis,” “avian-mite dermatitis,” or “bird-mite dermatitis” in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. In Brazil, O. bursa was previously recorded parasitizing birds of the orders Charadriiformes Huxley, 1867, Columbiformes Latham, 1790, Galliformes Temminck, 1820, Passeriformes Linnaeus, 1758, Strigiformes Wagler, 1830, and Tinamiformes Huxley, 1872. Here, we provide a new association of O. bursa with Harris’s hawk, Parabuteo unicinctus (Temminck, 1824) (Accipitriformes: Accipitridae) and the first record of this mite species in the Paraíba State, Brazil.

Physical characteristics, chemical compositions, and insecticidal activity of plant essential oils against chicken lice (Menopon gallinae) and mites (Ornithonyssus bursa)

A preparation of essential oils to control chicken lice (Menopon gallinae) and mites (Ornithonyssus bursa) was developed. Each essential oil was effective against lice and mite in vitro. Citronella oil at the lowest concentration of 0.208 µg/cm2 resulted in a mortality rate of 100% in chicken lice, whereas a higher concentration of cloves, lemongrass, ginger, Makwan oil (0.416 µg/cm2), and Litsea oil (0.832 µg/cm2) was also found to be effective. A 100% rate of mortality for mites was observed using citronella and ginger oil at a concentration of 0.416 µg/cm2. At the same concentration, cloves, lemongrass, Litsea, and Makwan oil exhibited mortality rates in mites of 77.96%, 93.33%, 87.30%, and 93.49%, respectively. The efficacy of citronella oil and ginger oil against lice and mites was further examined in vivo. Citronella and ginger oil affected the rate of decline in lice from day 1 to day 14, whereas the number of mites living in nests declined from day 1 to day 7. The reduction of these parasitic insects may be correlated with the chemical constituents present in each essential oil. The active ingredients likely acted insecticidal agents against both parasitic insects. Moreover, the preparation developed here did not cause any side effects, such as dermatitis and respiratory disorders, during animal trials. Hence, preparations comprised of the essential oils of citronella and ginger can be further developed and used as insecticidal agents to control and/or eliminate chicken lice and mites on commercial farms.

First record of Ornithonyssus bursa (Berlese, 1888) (Mesostigmata: Macronyssidae) parasitizing invasive monk parakeets in Santiago, Chile

Myiopsitta monachus is an invasive psittacine with wide distribution due to the pet trade. Its large communal nests and synanthropic nature contribute to its successful colonization of cities, from where it seems to be expanding in range and numbers. This is relevant with regard to pathogens that invasive species may harbor, especially when host populations thrive. We aimed to identify an abundant mite found in invasive monk parakeet chicks that had been collected in Santiago during 2017 and 2018. Through morphological and molecular identification of the 18S ribosomal RNA gene, we confirmed the presence of Ornithonyssus bursa. This was the first report of this mite in Chile. This mite is common in native and invasive monk parakeet populations and may affect other birds, including domestic fowl. Further, this mite bites people and can be a potential vector of pathogens such as bacteria or viruses. We conclude that this parasite was likely introduced with the parakeet and discuss possible ecological, health and economic consequences of this new potential pest.

Case Report: Human Dermatitis Linked to Ornithonyssus bursa (Dermanyssoidea: Macronyssidae) Infestation in Portugal

Ornithonyssus bursa (Berlese, 1888), also known as the tropical fowl mite, is a blood-feeding ectoparasite of domestic and wild birds. It is considered a serious pest to poultry in warm and tropical climates and has been reported to attack humans, causing gamasoidosis. Avian-mite dermatitis may be difficult to recognize and misdiagnosed as bites from other arthropods. The present report describes two cases of human dermatitis linked to O. bursa infestation. Both cases occurred in an apartment in a residential area in Oeiras, Portugal, where two members of the same family presented with pruritic erythematous skin eruptions disseminated over their body over a period of 4 months. The lesions were located mostly in the pelvic, gluteal, coccygeal, and perineal regions, and also on the neck, wrists and torso. On inspecting the mattresses and the covers of the bedrooms, three mites ~1 mm long by 0.5 mm wide were found. The three specimens were identified as O. bursa. Investigations tracing back the source of infestation, revealed that the mites were carried over from chickens raised 45 km away (Sesimbra, Setúbal) that, after being slaughtered for consumption, had been transported by car to the apartment in Oeiras. The chickens were farmed in an open backyard henhouse that allowed free access to several species of wild birds, including pigeons (Columba livia), turtle doves (Streptopelia decaocto), and sparrows (Passer domesticus). Recent reports suggest that O. bursa may be established in Mediterranean countries, increasing the risk of gamasoidosis. This is the first record linking O. bursa infestation of chickens with human dermatitis in continental Portugal. More research is needed to assess the extent of poultry infestation and evaluate the possible implications for the poultry industry, as well as for human health in Portugal.

Uji Potensi Ekstrak Daun Biduri (Calotropis gigantea) sebagai Akarisida terhadap Infestasi Gurem (Ornithonyssus bursa) pada Ayam Buras

Infestasi ektoparasit merupakan salah satu masalah serius di bidang peternakan. Infestasi ektoparasit terbukti dapat menurunkan produktivitas ternak dan dapat menyebabkan kematian yang berdampak pada kerugian peternak. Salah satu ektoparasit yang sering menginfestasi ayam buras adalah gurem (Ornithonyssus bursa). Biduri (Calotropis gigantea) merupakan salah satu tanaman obat yang berpotensi untuk dikembangkan sebagai bioakarisida. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui potensi ekstrak daun biduri sebagai bioakarisida dalam mengendalikan infestasi gurem pada ayam buras. Ayam buras yang terinfestasi gurem secara alami dikelompokkan ke dalam lima kelompok masing-masing terdiri atas tiga ekor ayam. Perlakuan yang diuji dalam penelitian ini adalah larutan ekstrak daun biduri dengan konsentrasi 2 g/l, 4 g/l, dan 6 g/l, kontrol positif dengan sipermetrin 2 g/l, dan kontrol negatif dengan hanya pemberian air. Pengujian akarisida dilakukan dengan menggunakan metode dipping. Pengamatan gurem dilakukan sebelum pengujian, 24 jam setelah pengujian, 48 jam setelah pengujian, dan 72 jam setelah pengujian. Gurem dihitung dengan menggunakan counter berdasarkan regio tubuh ayam. Hasil yang diperoleh kemudian dianalisis dengan analisis ragam sidik. Pengamatan perilaku menelisik bulu dilakukan dengan menggunakan metode scan sampling. Frekuensi perilaku menelisik bulu dihitung dan dianalisis secara deskriptif. Hasil perlakuan ekstrak daun biduri dengan persentase reduksi gurem dan aktivitas menelisik bulu tertinggi berpotensi sebagai akarisida terhadap infestasi gurem pada ayam buras.

Prevalencia de ectoparásitos en cuyes (Cavia porcellus) de crianza familiar-comercial en el distrito de Matahuasi, Junín (Perú)

El objetivo del estudio fue determinar la prevalencia de ectoparásitos en cuyes (Cavia porcellus) de crianza familiar-comercial en el distrito de Matahuasi, Junín, Perú, así como identificar las especies parasitarias, tipo de asociación parasitaria y evaluar la asociación entre la presencia de ectoparásitos y las variables etapa productiva y sexo. Se evaluaron 299 cuyes entre enero y marzo de 2017. Los ectoparásitos fueron recolectados mediante cuatro técnicas (raspado profundo de piel, cinta adhesiva, tricograma y peinado fino). Los ectoparásitos fueron examinados por observación directa al microscopio a 10X y 40X, y en algunos casos fueron aclarados con KOH al 10%. Se encontró una prevalencia de 67.0 ± 5.3%, identificándose tres especies de acariformes (63.0 ± 5.5%) y una especie de Phthiraptera (12.0 ± 3.7%). Dentro de los acariformes se identificó Ornithonyssus bursa (53%), Chirodiscoides caviae (15%) y Dermanyssus gallinae (7%). La especie Phthiraptera fue Gliricola porcelli (12%). El monoparasitismo fue el más frecuente (75%). No se encontró asociación significativa entre la presencia de ectoparásitos y las variables etapa productiva y sexo.

DETERMINATION OF THE PRESENCE OF Ornithonussus spp. IN BREEDER HENS AND ROOSTERS IN THREE GENETIC LINES ON A FARM IN SOLANO COUNTY, CALIFORNIA, USA

Acarosis in birds may cause irritation, stress, reduction of food intake and, consequently, reduction in egg production and quality. In this sense, the Ornithonyssus sylviarum mite is considered one of the most aggressive mites to bird health due to its permanent behavior. The objective of this work is to determine the presence of Ornithonyssus spp. in three genetic lines of pedigree breeding chickens and roosters on a farm in the state of California, USA, and identify the species of Ornithonyssus spp. present in the three genetic lines studied. A sampling of 103 pedigree chickens and roosters was carried out to determine the presence of Ornithonyssus spp. The samples were collected from the feathers under the cloaca, preserved in 70% alcohol, then rinsed with 10% sodium hydroxide and evaluated, by direct observation through the microscope and stereoscope, in order to visualize and identify their morphological characteristics. The results show the presence of Ornithonyssus spp. in 99.0% (102/103) of the birds, identifying an average of 135, 121 and 30 mites per bird according to lines A, B and C, respectively. The species identified were Ornithonyssus sylviarum, Ornithonyssus bursa and Ornithonyssus bacoti in 89.8%, 1.4% and 0.8% respectively, with 8.1% Ornithonyssus spp. In conclusion, Ornithonyssus spp. was present in the pedigree breeding chickens and roosters in the three genetic lines. Ornithonyssus sylviarum was the predominant species.