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Efficacy of a novel neem oil formulation ( RP03 ™) to control the poultry red mite D ermanyssus gallinae
Author(s) -
Camarda A.,
Pugliese N.,
Bevilacqua A.,
Circella E.,
Gradoni L.,
George D.,
Sparagano O.,
Giangaspero A.
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
medical and veterinary entomology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.028
H-Index - 82
eISSN - 1365-2915
pISSN - 0269-283X
DOI - 10.1111/mve.12296
Subject(s) - neem oil , mite , acaricide , biology , toxicology , neem cake , azadirachtin , population , veterinary medicine , botany , pesticide , agronomy , medicine , ecology , vermicompost , environmental health , nutrient
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.