Livestock Lice

Lice can infest cattle year-round. However, infestations peak from December through March due to several factors, including low Vitamin A levels, decreased sunlight and crowding of herds. Controlling lice leads to increased production in cattle.

  1. Types of Lice

    • Four different species of lice--one biting and three sucking--infest cattle. All four species may be present. Treat for both biting lice and sucking lice when treating your cattle.

    Identication of Lice in Cattle

    • Lice are usually found on the neck, back, hips and tailhead. Inspect for lice simply by parting the animal's hair. Examine at least five separate areas, each about four inches in length. More than 50 lice is considered a heavy infestation.

    Impact

    • Cattle lice can reduce weight gain and lead to poor reproductive performance. The USDA estimates that lice cause a loss of $125 million a year for cattle producers. Cattle infected by lice will rub against fences, hay racks and buildings resulting in damage to property.

    Prevention and Treatment

    • Producers are advised to use an aggressive strategic parasite control program on a year-round basis. This includes quarantining and treating cattle before they are released into the general population. Older cattle may be chronic carriers, even after treatment. They should be culled from the herd.

    Types of Treament

    • Producers should use a broad-spectrum insecticide to not only control lice in cattle but also mange and internal parasites. Many pour-on treatments are favored for lice control. Insecticide dust bags and oilers can be effective in keeping down lice populations, but they are not effective at reducing already high lice infestations.