Environmental and Epidemiological Aspects of Alphitobius diaperinus Infestation and Pathogen Shedding: A Biosecurity Threat in Poultry Farms

Mhny, Naglaa; Darwish, Samah F.; EL-Dahshan, Ahmed R.; M. Ali, Asmaa

doi:10.21608/vmjg.2025.398306.1046

Environmental and Epidemiological Aspects of Alphitobius diaperinus Infestation and Pathogen Shedding: A Biosecurity Threat in Poultry Farms

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Department of Veterinary Hygiene and Management, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, 12211, Egypt.

² Biotechnology Research Unit, Animal Reproduction Research Institute, Agriculture Research Center, Giza, Egypt.

10.21608/vmjg.2025.398306.1046

Abstract

Darkling beetles (Alphitobius diaperinus) are ubiquitous generalist pests of poultry facilities. They are known for their persistence in the environment, retaining several avian pathogens, causing economic losses through structural damage and dissemination of pathogens within poultry flocks. This study aimed to investigate the possible role of litter in beetle survival and distribution and determine if beetles could carry pathogens related to bird health and threaten public health. A total of 510 samples were obtained from 30 different poultry farms, including beetles (n=90), cloacal swabs (n=150), litter (n=90), swabs from feeders (n=90), and drinkers (n=90). Litter physical parameters (temperature, moisture, and pH) were measured. Correlation between litter parameter and beetle population was performed. All samples were examined bacteriologically and molecularly identified for the presence of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The darkling beetles were counted significantly (P < 0.05) in all poultry farms, recording the highest prevalence of 79.5/m² in broiler farms. Statistical analysis revealed that litter temperature (from 26 to 31°C) and moisture (up to 40%) have a strong correlation with beetle density, while pH (from 7.5 to 9) has no impact on beetle number. S. aureus was isolated from beetles (2.6%), cloacal swabs (1.7%), litter (1.3%), feeder (1.7%), and drinkers (12%). In addition, E. coli prevalence was in beetles (78.9%), cloacal swabs (82.7%), litter (84.4%), feeders (35.6%), and drinkers (33.3%). The presence of darkling beetles in poultry farms, along with their ability to shed pathogens into the environment, underscores the importance of these insects in the persistence of infection between flocks, posing a significant health risk to poultry production and humans. Therefore, implementing alternative control methods and an effective integrated pest management program are essential to mitigate the beetle population and lower the risk of pathogen transmission in poultry farms.

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