Chewing Lice
Chewing lice, also known as Bovicola ovis, are pesky little critters that can cause a lot of discomfort for your sheep. These lice feed on skin debris and wool fibers, leading to itching and irritation. Let's dive into how to identify, treat, and prevent these unwelcome guests.
Symptoms and diagnosis of chewing lice in sheep 🩺
Infestations of chewing lice can cause chronic dermatitis, characterized by constant irritation, itching, rubbing, and biting of the fleece. You might notice your sheep scratching against fences or biting at their wool. Other signs include:
- Redness and inflammation of the skin
- Moist, discolored wool or skin
- Presence of lice, which can sometimes be seen with the naked eye
To accurately diagnose lice, part the wool and examine the skin for scabs, crusting, and any visible parasites. A microscope can help confirm the presence of lice.
How to treat chewing lice in sheep 💊
Treating chewing lice involves using insecticides. Here are some effective treatments:
- Plunge Dips: Organophosphate (OP) dips like diazinon or synthetic pyrethroid (SP) dips such as high cis-cypermethrin are very effective.
- Spot-on or Pour-on Formulations: SPs like alphacypermethrin, deltamethrin, or high cis-cypermethrin can be applied directly to the sheep.
- Systemic Treatments: Blood-feeding lice can be controlled with macrocyclic lactones (MLs) like ivermectin, doramectin, or moxidectin, administered by injection or oral drench.
It's important to treat all sheep in the flock to prevent re-infestation. Shearing can also help reduce lice populations by up to 50%.
How to prevent chewing lice in sheep 🛡️
Preventing lice infestations involves good management practices and biosecurity measures. Here are some tips:
- Regular Inspections: Frequently check your sheep for signs of lice, especially during the winter months when infestations are more common.
- Maintain Good Hygiene: Keep your sheep in clean, dry conditions to reduce the risk of lice and other parasites.
- Closed Flock: Avoid introducing new sheep into your flock without proper quarantine and inspection.
- Shearing: Regular shearing can help keep lice populations under control.
By following these steps, you can help keep your sheep healthy and free from the irritation caused by chewing lice.