Lice - Cattle

Lice Lice exist naturally on cattle, and in small numbers are of little pathological importance. Moderate infections may be associated with dermatitis, and heavy infections may be more serious. Heavy louse infestation is referred to as Pediculosis. Transfer of lice from animal to animal is usually via direct physical contact.

Cattle

• One chewing louse
  • Bovicola bovis

• Several sucking lice
  • E.g. Linognathus vituli

• Most lice have a preferred predilection site on the body

• Some lice will gather in clusters

• Causes
  • Ill-thrift
  • Anaemia
  • Down-graded leather