Avian lice (1)

Question 1

How do you identify?

Answer 1

Up to 2 mm

Question 2

What are the sites of infestation?

Answer 2

All areas with different species showing specific predilection sites

Question 3

Describe the Pathogenesis

Answer 3

Lice digest keratin, bite feathers

Effects of pediculosis similar among host species

Sleeplessness

Inappetance

Scratching

Feather plucking

Secondary effects may be more serious than immediate damage of lice

More than 40 species

 - Host specificity relatively low
        - Multiple species can be found on an animal
 - Show specific predilection sites

Infestation level - highest impact

Heavy infestation

 - Decrease reproductive potential 
 - Decrease egg production
 - Decrease weight gain

Question 4

How do you diagnose?

Answer 4

Identification of louse

Question 5

How do you treat and prevent?

Answer 5

Best controlled on caged birds - spray topical insecticide

Birds on floor - easily treated by scattering insecticide on litter

Question 6

What are the hosts?

Answer 6

Birds