Sucking Lice in sheep

Symptoms and Diagnosis of Sucking Lice 🩺

Sucking lice, such as Linognathus ovillus (the face louse) and Linognathus pedalis (the foot louse), are blood-feeding parasites that can cause significant irritation to sheep. Infested sheep may show signs of constant itching, rubbing, and biting at their fleece. You might notice wool loss, irritability, and even lameness in severe cases.

To diagnose a lice infestation, you'll need to examine your sheep closely. Part the wool and look for lice or their eggs on the skin. These lice are often visible to the naked eye, but a microscope can help confirm their presence.

Treatment of Sucking Lice 💊

Treating sucking lice involves using insecticides that are effective against blood-feeding parasites. Options include:

• Plunge Dips: Use organophosphate (OP) dips like diazinon or synthetic pyrethroid (SP) dips such as high cis-cypermethrin.
• Spot-on or Pour-on Treatments: Products containing deltamethrin or alphacypermethrin are effective.
• Systemic Treatments: Macrocyclic lactones (MLs) like ivermectin, doramectin, or moxidectin can be administered via injection or oral drench.

It's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully and ensure all sheep in the flock are treated to prevent reinfestation.

Prevention of Sucking Lice 🛡️

Prevention is always better than cure! Here are some tips to keep lice at bay:

• Regular Shearing: Shearing can remove a significant number of lice and is particularly effective when done before the lice population peaks.
• Biosecurity Measures: Maintain a closed flock and avoid introducing new sheep without a quarantine period.
• Environmental Management: Keep your sheep's environment clean and dry to reduce lice survival.

By following these steps, you can help ensure your sheep remain healthy and comfortable, free from the irritation of lice.