Damalinia (Bovicola) spp. (1)

Question 1

What are the hosts?

Answer 1

Cattle

Sheep

Goats

Horses

Question 2

How do you identify?

Answer 2

Up to 2 mm

Reddish Brown Color

Question 3

Explain the life cycle

Answer 3

Winter favors proliferation

 - Thick coat
 - Cattle housed
 - Parthenogenesis 

In summer lice numbers are low

 - Thin pelage limits sheltered habitat
 - Skin surface temperatures high
 - Sunlight is lethal

Question 4

What are the sites of infestation?

Answer 4

Head

Neck

Shoulder

Back

Poll

Rump

Tail switch

Can spread throughout body

Question 5

Describe the Pathogenesis

Answer 5

Sign of malnutrition or chronic disease

Pediculosis (during winter) - Housed/crowded animals

Heavy infestations

 - Pruritis
 - Dermatitis 
 - Production losses
 - Secondary infections 

Mild nuisance

Damalinia ovis

 - Considered most pathogenic of lice infesting sheep
 - Rubbing/Scratching
       - Broken fibers - Reduce wool value
       - Make sheep attractive to blowflies

Question 6

How do you diagnose?

Answer 6

Identification of louse

Question 7

How do you treat and prevent?

Answer 7

Various Ectoparasiticides

MCLs effective

Carbamates/Organophosphates available for use

Question 8

What are the common names?

Answer 8

Biting louse

Cattle: Damalinia bovis

Sheep: Damalinia ovis