Example animal and insect biology dissertation topic 6:

Organic methods of control of Dermanyssus gallinae in commercial chicken populations

The poultry parasite Dermanyssus gallinae (red mite) is common during the warmer months in the UK and presents a significant problem for commercial egg and chicken producers. Failure to treat red mite infestations can see decreases in egg reduction, loss of meat on birds, and possibly death. Organic farmers face further challenges, as the use of carbamate and permethrin miticides are not acceptable in organic installations. This paper reviews the efficacy of organic methods such as the use of Chrysanthemum cineariaefolium and Allium sativum by undertaking both a wide-ranging literature review and a small scale primary research project of the treatment of 100 birds in a commercial population.

Suggested initial topic reading:

• Abdul-Ghaffar, F., Sobhy, H.M., Al-Quraishy, S. and Semmler, M. (2008) ‘Field study on the efficacy of an extract of neem seed (Mite -Stop®) against the red mite Dermanyssus gallinae naturally infecting poultry in Egypt’, Parasitology Research, Vol. 103(3), pp. 481-485.
• Maurer, V., Perler, E. and Heckendorn, F. (2009) ‘In vitro efficacies of oils, silicas and plant preparations against the poultry red mite Dermanyssus gallinae‘, Control of Poultry Mites (Dermanyssus), Report to the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture, Frick: Switzerland.
• Maurer, V., Amsler, Z., Heckendorn, F. and Perler, E. (2007) ‘Development of prevention and treatment strategies for parasites in poultry’, Third QLIF Congress: Improving Sustainability in Organic and Low Input Food Production Systems, University of Hohenheim, Germany, March 20-23, 2007.