Fipronil scandal and the lesson learnt

In the last year, the poultry chain has been shaken by the Fipronil scandal, when several farms all over the Europe were found to be positive to that molecule, illegally used to control the infestation by the poultry red mite (PRM) Dermanyssus gallinae. This event is leading to some considerations. In the first place, the operators’ unawareness of the consequence of such a conduct should be considered. Fipronil is a toxic molecule, harmful for the environment as well as for reared animals and even humans, who may acquire drug residues following consumption of contaminated poultry derived foods. Beyond the impact on health and environment, it is not negligible the negative economic impact on the whole poultry system, which, inescapably, loses its trustworthiness. On the other side, it is clear that the farmers are not the only responsible of this situation. Often, the operators are left alone to face the important problem of D. gallinae infestation, whose the majority of audience is even unaware. The drugs designed and authorized for using in the presence of animals are very few, and the situation is complicated by the insurgence of less susceptible mite populations. Therefore, the farmers welcome effective option that can be proposed to them, hoping for a definitive solution to their problem. After these events, it is clear that the approach only based on the use of synthetic or semisynthetic drugs is not the best choice, and this is another clear evidence arisen from the Fipronil scandal. In fact, it should be strongly advisable that the struggle against PRM should be faced by using an integrated strategy, which involves concerted actions of technicians, veterinarians, drug industries and even equipment manufacturers. The authors would like to thank the European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST Action (FA1404 - COREMI) “Improving current understanding and research for sustainable control of the poultry red mite Dermanyssus gallinae”).