Mitecontrol project partners submitted an application end of january for capitalisation call initiative which just got approved !
The initial project focuses on the control of PRM in Belgium, France and UK on layer farms, with extra communication in the Netherlands. The capitalisation initiative aims to reach new sectors: breeding reproductive hens (which supply 1day old chicks for broilers and pullets) in BE (2,1 million birds at 122 farms) and NL (5,8 million at 230 farms) and rearing (future laying hens that are reared from 1 day to 4 months of age) in FR (19 million at 450 farms) and BE (3,8 million). PRM infestations are equally present in these farms. Controlling PRM infestations in rearing will reduce the transfer of PRM to layers. Housing types and legislations are different in the subsectors so optimisation/adaptation is possibly needed. The work on PRM genetics will be expanded to the new target groups which will improve the durability of the tested IPM programmes. By expanding our demonstration area, more farmers will be reached and will become aware of the advantages of using IPM, including cameras, to control PRM. Using the current partnership, the findings of the initial project can be disseminated over the new areas and the new insights gained by the capitalisation will be applied in the initial sectors. German and Irish AP will support knowledge exchange for these regions. The newly formed working group of poultry applied research institutes will enable the uptake of results during the project and after the project end. Expansion of the network with research centres from other NWE or EU regions will be encouraged. Also, a knowledge exchange platform will be started between the different sectors: rearing, layers and broiler breeders. This will increase the spillover effect from one subsector to another. UPVM3 participates in French research groups on biocontrol and its unintended effects, including resistance to repellents. This will ensure that information gathered will be added to the knowledge base on the subject. The project will use the results to improve the image of the poultry sector.