Pediculosis

• Pediculosis is an infestation of lice

• Infestation is called pediculosis
• May cause anaemia (sucking lice), weakness, discomfort and damage to hair or wool
• More common in low temperatures when hair is longer
• Host-specific
• Spread by direct contact
• Most lesions are due to self-inflicted trauma
• Grossly:
  • Papules, crusts, secondary excoriations
  • Eggs and lice visible in lesions

Control

• Few insecticides will kill lice eggs on the animal

• Two treatments are needed to kill nymphs emerging from eggs at the time of the initial treatment and those that will emerge 2-3 weeks later
  • At two week intervals
  • Or a product with a two week residual activity can be used

• Sucking lice are more susceptible to systemic insecticide treatment than chewing lice

• Resistance to insecticides may become a problem so alternating the chemicals used and avoiding pour on treatments (which have a greater risk of resistance developing) should be considered

Test yourself with the Lice Flashcards

Lice Flashcards