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== Introduction ==

== Introduction ==

Pediculosis is an infestation of [[:Category:Lice|lice]]. Lice are host-specific, permanent parasites of animals, which are most prevalent in cooler conditions when the animals coat is longer.  

Pediculosis is an infestation of [[:Category:Lice|lice]]. Lice are host-specific, permanent parasites of animals, which are most prevalent in cooler conditions when the animals coat is longer.  

There are two types of lice; [[:Category:Chewing Lice|chewing]] and [[:Category:Sucking Lice|sucking]] lice. In severe cases, pediculosis can cause [[:Category:Anaemia|anaemia]] (sucking lice), weakness, discomfort and damage to hair or wool.

There are two types of lice; [[:Category:Chewing Lice|chewing]] and [[:Category:Sucking Lice|sucking]] lice. In severe cases, pediculosis can cause [[:Category:Anaemia|anaemia]] (sucking lice), weakness, discomfort and damage to hair or wool.

Discomfort and pruritus may also interfere with normal feeding, causing weight loss and anorexia. This may also exacerbate any existing lameness.

Clinical signs are species specific to some extent, but all usually include self-trauma causing hair loss and abrasions on the skin, which is due to variable degrees of pruritus caused by the mites.

== Diagnosis ==

== Diagnosis ==

Clinical signs and history, such as indoor housing for farm animals can be indicative of the disease. Definitive diagnosis can be achieved by identification of the lice and eggs in skin scrape, hair pluck or coat brushing sample under the microscope.

Clinical signs and history, such as indoor housing for farm animals can be indicative of the disease.  

== Treatment and Control ==

== Treatment and Control ==

Few insecticides will kill lice eggs on the animal therefore '''two treatments at two week intervals''' are needed to kill nymphs emerging from eggs at the time of the initial treatment and those that will emerge 2-3 weeks later. Alternatively, a product with a '''two week residual activity''' can be used.

Few [[Ectoparasiticides|insecticides]] will kill lice eggs on the animal therefore '''two treatments at two week intervals''' are needed to kill nymphs emerging from eggs at the time of the initial treatment and those that will emerge 2-3 weeks later. Alternatively, a product with a '''two week residual activity''' can be used.

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

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

==Test yourself with the Lice Flashcards==

 

|flashcards = [[Lice_Flashcards|Lice Flashcards]]

[[Lice_Flashcards|Lice Flashcards]]

== References ==

== References ==

 

[[Category:Integumentary System - Parasitic Infections]]

[[Category:Integumentary System - Parasitic Infections]]

[[Category:Expert_Review]]

[[Category:Expert_Review]]