C.A.H.L.
- YOUR PARTNER IN ANIMAL HEALTH
LICE
Lice infestations
in housed cattle can be a great source of irritation leading to excessive
scratching and loss of thrive. Surveys have shown that the incidence
of lice is also responsible for multiple scratch defects on cattle hides.
Detection
Infestations are easy to recognise. Lice tend to congregate on the animal's
shoulders, base of the neck, around the head and top of the tail. These
areas will look scruffy and lice should be obvious. As the infestation
gets worse more of the body will be affected.
Sucking
and Biting types of Lice
Cattle are affected by four specific lice; three sucking types and the
commonest, a biting louse. Sucking types cause greatest damage and irritation.
They feed by piercing the skin with sharp mouth parts and drawing blood.
The biting louse, on the other hand feeds on dead skin cells, blood
and discharge from existing wounds.
The entire lifecycle takes place on the animal's skin. Females lay eggs
in small groups which are held to the base of the hair by a sticky secretion.
After three weeks young lice hatch and quickly start feeding. Reproduction
lasts for about five weeks in which time females can lay about two dozen
eggs. Lice usually move from one animal to another by direct transfer.
They cannot survive more than three or four days away from cattle. Animals
will scratch, rub and bite affected areas making the problem even worse.
They will be in poor condition and production will suffer.
Control
Infested cattle should be treated as soon as possible. However farmers
are recommended to protect animals with an effective insecticide before
housing at the start of winter.
Co-Operative
Animal Health hold a range of products suitable for the treatment of
lice. Contact you local CAHL representative or call us today in Tullow
at 0503 51251 - we'll be happy to help.
