[Hanne Nijs]

Poultry red mite is the most damaging ectoparasite of laying hens, present on well over 80% of farms in Europe (in some countries even up to 94% of farms are infested). There are quite a few routes of transmission, but the most important ones include the exchange of contaminated materials (e.g. egg trays) farms or layer houses, introduction via pullets and people (visitors). Contrary to prior beliefs, wild birds are not a reservoir and thus do not play a significant role in transmission.