Dermanyssus gallinae (Acari, Mesostigmata) in the Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica) nests in Urmia suburb, North West of Iran

Migratory birds are most often responsible for the distribution of avian diseases in different areas and serve as hosts for most parasites, including ectoparasites. The aim of the present study was to record the distribution range of a mesostigmatic mite species, Dermanyssus gallinae in barn swallow nests in Urmia suburb, North West of Iran. The samples were collected from 161 bird nests in 44 villages during 2013–2014. From a total of 161 swallow nests, 61 samples were infested by at least one mite. According to the result, D. gallinae was present in the majority of sampled nests. Since it can be transmitted to the other industrial birds and humans habit through swallows. It is recommended to spray acaricide two times per year before and after nesting in order to reduce mite population with minimum harmful effects of acaricide on the exposed birds.