Dr. Estefanía Mesa, representing Biovet S.A., visited Peru between May 13 and 17. The main reasons for the visit were two: On the one hand, the conduction of an assay consisting in the evaluation of the repellent activity against Alphitobius diaperinus of a product based on natural extracts. On the other hand, the participation together with the Biovet’s official distributor, Adivet EIRL, in the 10th edition of the Amevea International Seminar held in the city of Trujillo.

Alquerfeed Jacium: the new Biovet’s proposal to fight against Alphitobius diaperinus in poultry farms

Dr. Mesa evaluated the repellent activity of a natural preservative made of cimenol ring combined with different concentrations of natural extracts. As a result of this in vitro test, it was possible to enhance the repellent effects of this natural preservative, resulting in a new product named Alquerfeed Jacium. This natural repellent is indicated to fight against pests in farms, such as Alphitobius diaperinus.

Usually known as  lesser mealworm and the litter beetle, Alphitobius diaperinus is a coprophagous coleoptera that can become a pest in poultry production facilities. Although its presence can be extended throughout the year, it is in the warmer seasons when this insect tends to reproduce more easily.

The problem of this pest in poultry farms translates into an infestation in floors and insulating materials of buildings and structures. Their larvae are a potential source for the appearance of diseases such as coccidiosis, E. coli, Gumboro disease, avian influenza or Marek virus, among others, since their digestive system becomes a reservoir of microorganisms.

The resistance to some pesticides observed in some colonies of Alphitobius diaperinus and the use of synthetic pesticides that can reach the food chain have been of concern to poultry producers around the world. In this sense, Biovet’s response has been to develop Alquerfeed Jacium in the attempt of looking for a new approach into the world of plant extracts against this coleoptera and its larvae. The advantages of this product over some synthetic pesticides are evident: it has a high degree of effectiveness, it is composed of natural ingredients, it is easily biodegradable and considered safe for vertebrate species – including humans.

Attendance at the Amevea International Seminar 2019 in Trujillo

Dr. Estefania Mesa accompanied Adivet’s manager, Dr. Hugo Patiño, to the tenth edition of the Amevea International Seminar, where the official distributor of Biovet had its own stand. Organized in the Peruvian city of Trujillo between May 15 and 17, Amevea is one of the main specialized events in veterinary medicine related to poultry farming. For this reason, it is considered a must for veterinarians, researchers and poultry producers in Peru.

Among the main discussed topics of this past edition, the control and management of diseases such as infectious bronchitis, avian laryngotracheitis and Newcastle disease (NDV) were amongst the most relevant ones. In addition, there was also a debate on the latest developments in production methods and techniques in the field of breeding and hatching hens, layers and alternatives in the general management of chicken production.