Expert Advisory Details

Preventing lice in livestock

Lice in cattle are cold-weather parasites that start in the fall and peak in the late winter or early spring. Lice are spread through direct contact within a cattle herd. Possible reasons are Stress, poor nutritional status, or other diseases can increase the susceptibility of cattle to lice, and heavy infestations are often seen in weak or sick cattle. Lice go through five life stages: The early stage is the white, then yellow, or black egg stage; the third stage is the yellow nymph stage; and adult lice appear as brown or red. A lice's life cycle can last 20–40 days, depending on the species. Lice most commonly attack the ears, nose, shoulders, elbows, and nipples.

Symptoms

• Restlessness and drowsiness in animals
• reduction in the production capacity of livestock
• Skin swelling, blood loss, and itching
• Skin breakdown and scarring

Prevention 

• Keep the affected animals separate from healthy animals for 2-3 weeks, and treat sick animals only with veterinary advice.
• Use the medicine according to the amount mentioned on the label.
• If needed, the medicine can be used again after 14–21 days.
• Feed the animals a good-quality, balanced diet.
• Keep sheds clean.
• Amitraj, cypermethrin, deltamethrin, ivermectin, doramectin, and moxifloxacin are effective.