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Dermanyssus gallinae (Mesostigmata: Dermanyssidae, De Geer, 1778) is an ectoparasite of poultry, suspected to play a role as a vector of Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica ser. Gallinarum. Despite an association between them being reported, the actual dynamics in field remain unclear. Therefore, the present study aimed to confirm the interactions among mites, pathogen and chickens. The study was carried out in an industrial poultry farm infested by D. gallinae, during an outbreak of fowl typhoid. The presence of S. Gallinarum in mites was assessed and quantified by a semi‐nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and real‐time PCR, respectively, in mites collected during two subsequent productive cycles and the sanitary break. The anti‐group D Salmonella antibodies were quantified by an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. During the outbreak and the sanitary break, S. Gallinarum was constantly present in mites. In the second cycle, scattered positivity was observed, although hens did not exhibit signs of fowl typhoid, as a result of the vaccination with BIO‐VAC SGP695 (Fatro, Ozzano Emilia Bo, Italy). The data strongly suggest that D. gallinae acts as reservoir of S. Gallinarum, thus allowing the pathogen to persist in farms. Furthermore, the present study has highlighted the interactions among D. gallinae, S. Gallinarum and hens with respect to enhancing the mite‐mediated circulation of S. Gallinarum in an infested poultry farm. The association between Dermanyssus gallinae and Samonella enterica subsp. enterica ser. Gallinarum has been confirmed in the field during a fowl typhoid outbreak in an infested industrial poultry farm.The infection rate of Dermanyssus gallinae and the microbial load in mites were numerically related to the circulation of Salmonella Gallinarum in the flock.Preventive measures, such as a proper vaccination programme, may prevent the infection and the common reinfection of the new flocks after the sanitary break. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: 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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. Escherichia coli isolated from lesions (Avian Pathogenic E. coli - APEC) of layer hens affected by colibacillosis and from intestinal contents of clinically-healthy birds (Avian Faecal E. coli - AFEC) were serotyped. All the isolates were investigated for the presence of virulence genes to determine which genes were more closely related to those from lesions. 2. A number of different serogroups were detected, O78 being predominant among the isolates from colibacillosis. 3. E. coli isolated from lesions were not linked to a specific pathotype (set of common virulence genes). 4. The presence of the virulence genes, with the exception of astA, was associated more generally with APEC strains. 5. Statistically, genes such as cva/cvi, tsh, iss, irp2 and iucD were more related to isolates from colibacillosis. 6. It is suggested that the detection of these genes in a rapid and inexpensive test for field practitioners could provide useful information about the potential virulence of E. coli isolated in commercial layer flocks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While dermatophytoses of several animal species have been extensively investigated, information on their occurrence and epidemiology in rabbits is limited. We carried out a study from October 2006 to February 2007 of 23 rabbit farms in Apulia and Basilicata regions (southern Italy) in order to investigate the occurrence and risk factors associated with dermatophytoses in breeding rabbits. Dermatophytes were isolated from 86.9% (20/23) of the farms and from 51.8% (420/810) of the animals sampled. Trichophyton mentagrophytes (47.9%) and Microsporum canis (3.2%) were isolated from diseased (71.7%) and healthy (48.4%) animals as well from the surrounding environment (7.5%). The occurrence of lesions, the age of rabbits, and farm management (e.g., temperature, humidity and methods and frequency of disinfection practices) were identified as the most significant risk factors ( P < 0.05) for the occurrence of dermatophytes. Animals in fattening and finishing stages were the most frequently infected (i.e., 58.2 and 61.6% respectively). Dermatophyte prevalence was significantly ( P < 0.05) higher in areas with higher temperature (>20°C) and relative humidity ranging from 62-65%. The results of the present investigation suggest that zoonotic dermathophytes are present in rabbit farms and highlight the importance of correct management procedures for the control of the infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Size of the removed calculi (D) gl Four uroliths were visualised in the preputial area on radiographs (Fig 1B). A 5-year-old pet rabbit was presented with a large mass in the preputial sac which was painful on palpation. Urolithiasis is a pathological condition which is diagnosed more often in middle-aged and old rabbits. [Extracted from the article]

A 15-day-old juvenile monk parrot was presented with extensive subcutaneous emphysema of the head and neck (Fig 1A, B). (D) Fifteen days after removal of the circular drain, the incisions have healed and the subcutaneous emphysema has not recurred gl No sutures were applied to the skin. [Extracted from the article]

A letter to the editor is presented regarding the study on the importance of red mite associated human diseases or dermatitis through the pseudoscabies caused by Dermanyssus gallinae in Italian city habitants.