Poultry welfare in terms of poultry red mite (Dermanyssus gallinae) impact and control

Technological solutions and environmental conditions have a significant impact on infestation intensity and the problems around D. gallinae control. Changes in keeping laying hens in EU, in terms of D. gallinae influence, have not led to the welfare of the layers. On the contrary, they have contributed to the spreading of disease, have worsened conditions for control and accentuated harmful consequences. Apart from the poultry, these changes have also had a negative impact on the welfare of humans, through a toxicological and zootonic risk, and economic damages. Conventional cages so far provide the most appropriate environment for D. gallinae control. Opportunities for improving, even solving the problem of D. gallinae control in egg production do exist, however they require a changing the entire approach hitherto.