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| − | |pagetitle =Lice | + | |pagetitle =Lice (Phthiraptera) |
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| | + | <div style="text-align: left; direction: ltr; margin-left: 1em;"> |
| | + | Lice are obligate ectoparasites of every avian and most mammalian species. They are only a few millimeters long and like [[Fleas|fleas]], are wingless but unlike [[Fleas|fleas]] are dorsoventrally flattened. |
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| | + | Lice are host specific, permanent parasites which cause [[Pediculosis|pediculosis]]. The louse saliva and faeces contain allergenic substances which cause irritation, rubbing, licking and skin damage leading to decreased host productivity. |
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| | + | Mammalian lice species have a single pair of claws on the ends of stout legs, whereas avian lice species have a double claw on each leg. |
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| | + | There are two main groups of veterinary importance, the Mallophaga (chewing lice) and Anoplura (sucking lice). |
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