In an exercise in overkill, a team of entomologists, computer scientists and biologists at University of California, Riverside created an electronic backpack for free-roaming chickens to detect the presence of Northern fowl mite [Ornithonyssus sylviarum].  Since this parasite remains on the host through the lifecycle, simply examining the vent area for the presence of mites on skin and eggs adherent to the base of feathers should confirm whether the flock is infested.

 The self-laudatory press release from UC Riverside and the entire project illustrate the inappropriate application of time, funding, and energy to resolve problems (or non-problems) that have a simple solution. This project appears to be  simply technology for the sake of technology because it can be done.

One  would hope that there is some potential application for electronic detection of parasites or an extension of the technology to other problems that would benefit livestock production. Fitting free-roaming hens with electronic monitors is only going to result in indigestion among raptors.  

Mite Infestation