Lice are winter nuisances for cattle

Lice are winter nuisances for cattle


Flies and ticks target cattle during warm weather, but winter isn’t without its pests, too. That’s when lice settle in.

Lice are tiny parasitic insects that spread readily among individuals. But as opposed to flies and ticks, lice are species-specific—that is, cattle lice don’t bother other species, including people. Also, except for short periods of time, lice live on their hosts and not in the environment.

During the winter, cattle lice burrow into their hosts’ thick haircoat where they incite itching. Affected cattle may rub and lick at themselves incessantly, even at the expense of eating. Some lice also suck blood, which can make affected calves dangerously frail.

Lice infestations are usually easy to diagnose when the haircoat is examined. Pour-ons or other topical products are generally effective forms of treatment.

Related Episodes