MobiO’Mite is an applied research project focusing on the sustainable control of the Poultry Red Mite (PRM, Dermanyssus gallinae) in short supply chain farms using mobile poultry houses. PRM are widespread (in Belgium, an estimated >90% of laying hen farms are affected) and cause, among other things, welfare and production losses. Conventional control often relies on chemical acaricides, but these are environmentally burdensome, regulations for their use are becoming more stringent, and resistance is increasing—hence the need for alternatives. The project therefore builds on the concept of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and has developed a sustainable strategy specifically aimed at mobile poultry houses: an approach combining prevention, monitoring, targeted (preferably natural) measures, and chemical treatments only as a last resort (where permitted in organic production).

The focus is on what is workable in mobile housing systems, where infestation pressure can fluctuate even more, for example due to a climate that is difficult to control. In practice, the strategy emphasises (i) systematic monitoring (at least monthly, at fixed points) to enable early detection and to track the impact of interventions, (ii) prevention and biosecurity (limiting introduction via people/materials; cleaning, for instance with warm water and soap, manure management), and (iii) natural measures that are feasible in day-to-day practice, e.g. predatory mites (introduced preventively and at regular intervals) or the considered use of diatomaceous earth, paying attention to interactions. The project’s key output is the BaroMIJTer, which provides tips on identification, monitoring, biosecurity, the range of available products, and evaluation of the strategy in mobile poultry houses.