Difference between revisions of "Lice"

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-==Phthiraptera introduction==
-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.
-Lice are host specific, permanent parasites which cause [[Parasitic skin infections - Pathology#Lice|pediculosis]]. The louse saliva and faeces contain allergenic substances which cause irritation, rubbing, licking and skin damage leading to decreased host productivity.
-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.
-There are two main groups of veterinary importance, the mallophaga (chewing lice) and anoplura (sucking lice).

Revision as of 23:12, 19 May 2010