Safe Lice Treatment for Dairy Goats

Lice are tiny, wingless insects that can infest most any species of mammals and birds. There are two types of lice; biting lice feed on skin cells on the surface of the animal and sucking lice suck blood from the animal. In both cases a goat with lice will show signs of itching and discomfort. It also may also lose hair in patches. The insects can also be seen, usually with the aid of a magnifying glass, along the spine. Eggs, called nits, may also be seen attached to hair.

  1. Safe Lice Treatments for Dairy Goats

    • Exposure to the elements may be the safest lice treatment for dairy goats, especially during the summer. According to the Dairy Goat Journal, most lice infections occur during the winter when the animals are more closely confined and their coats are longer. In the spring the cure for lice may be as simple as getting the goats out on open pasture.
      If the situation does not allow moving to open pasture you can try several insecticides considered safe for the treatment of lice in dairy goats. Follow label directions on any chemical insecticide. Some are not approved for use on lactating goats or kids.
      Pyretheroid insecticides are not believed to be stored in the fatty tissue of the goat nor will they be passed from the body in the milk. Any powder insecticides will need to be repeated once a week for at least three weeks. The dusting will need to include the entire body of the goat.
      For small scale goat raisers, pet flea powder, especially those formulated for kittens and cats, would be a cost effective alternative to large insecticide purchases.
      Dairy goat raisers looking to control lice without the use of insecticides do have options. The Dairy Goat Journal suggests including diatomaceous earth in the goats' feed or treating the goats with tea tree oil or neem oil.
      No matter which treatment option you choose you should repeat it in two weeks. All of the treatments kill adult and juvenile lice but do not affect the nits. Repeated treatments will eliminate each new hatch until the problem is eradicated.