Prevention of Lice in Cattle

There are two types of lice that infest cattle: biting and sucking. Both of these pint-sized pests can be difficult to detect but produce catastrophic losses if not controlled. The best method for controlling cattle lice is prevention because by the time a lice infestation has been discovered, serious damage might have already occurred.

  1. Sprays

    • Spray-on insecticides are one of the more popular methods of parasite control on many species, including cattle. The main reason it is the least effective of the cattle pest control methods is that, unlike dogs, cats or horses, cattle are not usually handled daily by their owners. There are a wide variety of spray-on lice treatments for cattle. The differences between them are minimal and most work in the same manner and as well as the others. The most common primary chemicals in cattle lice control sprays are coumaphos, fenvelerate, permethrin, malathion, dioxathian and Amitraz.

    Back Rubbers

    • These are a very popular application method for lice control in cattle. Pesticide-soaked back rubbers are placed in strategic areas such as barn entries, gate entries to pastures or other well-trafficked areas where cattle are likely to go often. As the cattle walk under the back rubber they are saturated with the insecticide. Back rubbers commonly use coumaphos, permethrin or malathion mixed with either mineral oil or diesel oil (following the instructions on the insecticide).

    Dust Bags

    • This lice control method involves using burlap sacks containing a powdered form of pesticide. They are hung in places where cattle congregate and are likely to rub against them, thereby dusting their bodies with the chemicals. Dust bags typically contain either coumaphos dust or stirofos powder.

    Pour-On

    • This method, like sprays, requires direct handling of each animal, but instead of a chemical being sprayed on the body, a generous amount is poured on the backbone of each cow. This is similar to pour-on pest control for dogs and cats and works in the same manner. The liquid slowly spreads across the body of the animal from the area it was applied. However, there can be problems with more intense concentration of the insecticide closer to the application area and not as much at other areas, making pour-ons a little less effective than other application methods. Chemicals commonly used in pour-on lice control in cattle are chlorpyrifos, famphur and permethrin.

    Tips and Warnings

    • Most lice prevention chemicals for cattle come in concentrated form that require mixing either with water or other chemicals. Carefully check the instructions on any container for the methods used with each chemical.

      With all pesticides it is important to check the label before use to see if there are any restrictions for slaughter times and milking times following use.