Difference between revisions of "Lice - Cattle"
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===Bovicola bovis=== | ===Bovicola bovis=== | ||
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| + | ''Bovicola bovis'', more commonly known as '''Red Louse''' or '''cattle chewing louse''' is a chewing louse found commonly on the hair of the head, neck, back and the rump. In heavy infections, the infestation will spread to the rest of the body. | ||
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| + | ===Scientific Classification=== | ||
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| + | ===Identification=== | ||
| + | The adults are a dark red colour with distinct transverse bands surrounding the abdomen. A fully mature adult will measure around 2mm in length. They have adapted mouthparts designed for chewing, as the lice feed on the outer layer of the hair shafts. They have long, thin legs with claws on the tips adapted for moving along the hair of the host. | ||
| + | ===Life Cycle=== | ||
| + | The female lays eggs on the host, which can be clearly seen as white eggs on the hairs of the host. | ||
[[Category:Cattle]] | [[Category:Cattle]] | ||
[[Category:Lice]] | [[Category:Lice]] | ||
[[Category:To_Do_-_Max]] | [[Category:To_Do_-_Max]] | ||
Revision as of 09:33, 14 July 2010
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
Bovicola bovis
Bovicola bovis, more commonly known as Red Louse or cattle chewing louse is a chewing louse found commonly on the hair of the head, neck, back and the rump. In heavy infections, the infestation will spread to the rest of the body.
Scientific Classification
| Class | Insecta |
| Order | Phthiraptera |
| Suborder | Ischnocera |
| Family | Trichodectidae |
Identification
The adults are a dark red colour with distinct transverse bands surrounding the abdomen. A fully mature adult will measure around 2mm in length. They have adapted mouthparts designed for chewing, as the lice feed on the outer layer of the hair shafts. They have long, thin legs with claws on the tips adapted for moving along the hair of the host.
Life Cycle
The female lays eggs on the host, which can be clearly seen as white eggs on the hairs of the host.