Concerning treatments, the work on Work Package 2 (Improvement of non chemical treatment uses) revealed that one genetic group of a predatory mite was more voracious than the others, which opens up prospects for improvement. No incompatibility between plant-based treatments (or vaccine) and predators was found. Regarding resistance, significant differences in susceptibility to plant-based repellents were detected between PRM populations. Experiments are underway to determine the extent to which these variations may result in the selection of resistant populations under plant-based treatments. In the process, we have also discovered that the temporal dynamics of PRM populations is much more aggressive than previously thought. Read More
Trials have been ongoing for a couple of month in farms in Belgium, UK and France. Monitoring mite population continues and preventive treatments apper to have some positive effect ! Read More
With the new flocks that started at our pilot farms, we are using our camera technology from WP1 to follow up nighttime hen activity automatically. As such, we can say something about PRM infestation levels as hen activity during the night can be related to PRM infestation severity. Read More
At mid project, Mitecontrol is under the spotlight. Check out the newest articles published in Belgium (PluimveeActueel), UK (Poultry Site) and France (Réussir Volailles). Links are available on the Publication tab! Read More
IPM trials continue with the empty period steps.
During the empty period, the henhouse should be cleaned thoroughly. This means dry cleaning the facilities at first, followed by a thorough wet cleaning with hot water and soap and finally a disinfection. Read More
IPM strategies trials have begun in the pilot farms. 3 strategies are being tested : drink water additive + predatory mites, drink water additive + silica and vaccine and predatory mites !
Some actions have been undertaken on the previous flock (before the trial flock). It is advised to start the empty period with as low as possible PRM infestation. Therefore parts of the house where there are clusters of PRM have been cleaned with water and brown soap. Read More
Mitecontrol's 2nd General Assembly and Advisory Commitee took place from 21st january to 23rd january in Geel, Belgium at the EPC. Project advancement was presented with first results. A workshop on IPM strategy took place with the Advisory Committee in order to have a output from poultry stakeholders. Read More
