Abstract
The poultry red mite (PRM), Dermanyssus gallinae, a significant ectoparasite causing diseases in poultry, is globally prevalent and necessitates effective control strategies. There are restrictions on the use of acaricides in poultry across several nations due to worries about medication residues. Consequently, finding safe and efficient treatments for PRM is imperative. Fluralaner solution has emerged as a potential therapeutic agent, distinguished by its rapid onset, enduring efficacy, and lack of a withdrawal period for egg production. To ascertain the optimal dosage and therapeutic efficacy of fluralaner solution in PRM treatment, this study evaluated blood biochemical parameters and mite populations across various treatment groups. A cohort of 500 laying hens was randomly assigned to one of five treatment groups, each comprising 100 individuals:high-dose group (0.1 ml/kg-bw, group 4 ×, coop 1), medium-dose group (0.05 ml/kg-bw, group 2 ×, coop 5), low-dose group (0.025 ml/kg-bw, group 1 ×, coop 2), drug-control group (Intervet Productions, 0.05 ml/kg-bw recommended dose, coop 3) and blank control group (coop 4). Hens received their respective dosages of the fluralaner solution via oral administration on Days 0 (D0) and 7 (D7) of the experimental period. Over the study's ninety days, blood biochemical markers and mite counts in each coop were measured to evaluate the drug's safety, effectiveness, and ideal dosage. Data analysis was performed utilizing SPSS software. The study findings indicated that, for effective PRM infestation treatment, a dosage of 0.5 mg fluralaner per kilogram of body weight (equivalent to 0.05 ml) administered daily, followed by a subsequent dose post a 7-day interval, is recommended. Additionally, clinical observations coupled with blood biochemical assessments confirmed the safety of fluralaner across the three tested dosage levels in hens.