Research

Ectoparasite sampling in Mallorca
Looking for bird lice in Mallorca, Spain

 

Poultry Ectoparasite Control

Mites, lice, and other ectoparasites live full or part time on chickens and related poultry. They cause damage to birds by blood-feeding, feather-feeding, and/or pathogen transmission. One goal of the Murillo lab is to develop and test control methods for these ectoparasites that work with poultry management practices, such as cage-free housing or organic production. 

 

Host-Parasite Interactions

Parasites influence their hosts in a variety of ways. The Murillo lab is interested in how ectoparasites, like mites, lice, and bed bugs, impact poultry behavior, welfare, and economic output.

 

Poultry Farm survey

The distribution and severity of poultry pests, especially ectoparasites, is lacking in the United States. We're conducting a national survey is using traps placed on poultry farms (layer, breeder, and broiler facilities) to better address ectoparasite issues, such as the reemergence of Dermanyssus gallinae, the poultry red mite, in US poultry production. 

 

Other Livestock Pests

The Murillo lab is interested in fly pests associated with poultry and other livestock. We seek to better understand insecticide resistance, microbial communities associated with flies, and fly vector competence. We are using sensor technology to evaluate how flies impact cattle behavior. 

 

Sheep Ectoparasites in California

Have you noticed itchy sheep or wool loss? This can be caused by ectoparasites, like mites, lice,  and the sheep ked. On farm surveys will identify the most significant ectoparasites found on California sheep. Find out more here

 

 

 

Header by Jan Kraus by Unsplash
Let us help you with your search