Emergence Of Dermanyssus Gallinae As An Arthropod Pest In Urban Context And The “One Health” Approach

Abstract:
The poultry red mite, Dermanyssus gallinae is not well known in occupational health circles, yet it is well documented in poultry farming communities and pigeon racing households. The blood feeding mite is difficult to locate and eradicate due to its nocturnal behaviour and its ability to leave the host after relatively short feeding bouts to hide in cracks and crevices; in urban context, even more challenging is to identify the origin of the infestation. Medical practitioners do not receive the appropriate training to recognise such arthropod infestations, which are typically confused with scabies and other similarly-presenting disorders, and are unfamiliar with mite behaviour or pathologies that would assist in diagnosis. An international patient group has now been created and supports that physical and chemical control methods for this pest seem ineffective in human habitation. Many patients have turned to self-treatment to contain the problem. Victims of mite infestations suffer tremendous physical and psychological damage, not seen on par with many other pest infestations, with symptoms including itching, dermatitis, skin lesions, biting, pinpricks, secondary infections, scarring/hyperpigmentation, Ineffective and often prolonged attempts to eradicate infestations commonly result in psychological and economic issues, manifested as an increase in depression and financial outlay when patients relocate and/or attempt to control these infestations. The serious lack of knowledge and misinformation regarding human infestation with D. gallinae across healthcare, science and pest control fields is disconcerting and, based on increasing reports of infestations, has potentially already led to the dangerous proliferation of the disease. An EU-funded project involving 28 countries (FA1404-COREMI) is pulling together expertise and scientific knowledge to identify new holistic approaches, immunologic, biological and chemical control methods, HAPCC) to combat D. gallinae, though these are primarily targeted to use in poultry facilities, not human habitation. Nevertheless, One Health approach allows veterinarians and medical practitioners to exchange information and treatment practices to alleviate the direct and indirect effects of this pest in both veterinary and medical sectors.