Darkling Beetles in poultry houses

The article is providing the info that how Darkling beetles must be considered as a one of the vectors for transmit common poultry pathogens. The risk with darkling beetles is mainly transmit the diseases is of economic importance to the poultry industry. It cause severe and adverse economic impact so the diseases can be overlooked seriously or casually dismissed. Darkling beetles and their larvae are known to be main reservoirs of a many of viruses, bacteria (including Campylobacter), and protozoa. So as said in the article we need to maintain the good Bio security measures in the poultry house to control the same.Especially almost care to be taken in the cleaning of litter materials.

The article is very nice. This is one of the emmerging problem. I am verymuch interseted to know how to overcome of the darkling beetle if the farm is heavlily infested with the same.

Article is very descriptive and informative.Thanks to the author.I am also interested to know how to prevent derlling beetle from entering in to litter.This will help to improve the bio security.

Very enlightening article ! The Lesser mealworm or Darkling beetle ( Alphitobius diaperinus) and the Hide Beetle (Dermestes maculates), Adults and larvae of both species can become extremely abundant in poultry manure and litter. The large beetle populations may become a public nuisance at cleanout time because of adult migration from the fields where the manure is spread into nearby residential areas. Both beetles can cause extensive damages: ? They feed on poultry feed stocks. ? They bore into structural materials. ? They are vector (transmitter) & serve as reservoir for several poultry disease pathogens. ? They may bite birds & damage skin of birds reducing carcass quality. Most insecticide loses their effectiveness against beetles within days or few weeks after application and is also hazardous to poultry & care takers.

Its nice article.until now we think darkling beetlesis benefit to reduce fly population in a farm sector.I think your article differ this.Which beetles benefit to control fly larvae

Generally most farm managers concern about virus, bacteria, fungi, etc. and cover them well by disinfecting using various chemicals but most of the time they tend to forget about vectors, which are equally dangerous to spread disease. This is a good, informative article and author explained this important factor in disease control.

thank you . rouzbeh.fathi@yahoo.com

Dear Mr. Dahal, You have wonderfully explained the facts. Regards, Dr Jaydip ( M.V.Sc. DCT. Parasitology)

Thanks Dr.Jaydip, Litter treatment with safe product wich can maintain litter pH below 3-4 pH will help to reduce problem of The Lesser mealworm or Darkling beetle as its life cycle will be hampered in low pH level of litter. Alkaline materials, such as agricultural lime, hydrated or slaked lime, and burnt lime, increase the litter alkalinity and offers suitable environment for further increase of population of beetles and more over litter alkalinity also helps to convert more of the ammonium in the litter into ammonia gas. Conventional practice of using materials such as agricultural lime (CaCO3), hydrated or slaked lime (Ca(OH)2), or burnt lime (CaO) increase litter alkalinity (to a pH greater than 7) which most of us are not aware of.

Dear Mr. Dahal, Thanks for updates. Regards, Dr. Jaydip

Dear Mr. Ganesh, Let me know that if i have to control the Coccidial spores along with the Lesser mealworm or Darkling beetle ( Alphitobius diaperinus) and the Hide Beetle (Dermestes maculates), what line of treatment you will suggest? As coocidial spores will be destroyed in alkaline medium peoples prefer to use different types of lime for terminal disinfection. regards, Dr Jaydip

Question- if you raise your own in a closed box system, is this still possible?

This will help me in my poultry operations!Indeed biosecurity is vital and should be observed at all times. Thank you

Biosecurity is key to successful poultry production.