Production losses in laying hens during infestation with the poultry red mite Dermanyssus gallinae

A research centre with 30,568 laying hens, kept in enriched cages and in aviaries, had become naturally infested with poultry red mites (PRM) in 32 of its 48 bird units. Therefore, at the age of 52 weeks all hens were treated with fluralaner through the drinking water. After this treatment, PRM were no longer observed. As all birds were of the same age, and since production figures were measured daily in all 48 units, this offered a unique...