Introduction
Various
species of lice are common external parasites of poultry worldwide.
They are spread by direct contact between birds and by litter etc. Away
from birds adults survive about 4-5 days. The parasites are 1-6 mm in
size and their life cycle takes about 3 weeks. Menocanthus stramineus
is the most pathogenic and is said to be capable of causing anaemia in
heavy infestations. Check flocks regulary for rapidly moving insects at
the base of the feathers on the abdomen or around the vent. Crusty
clumps of eggs ('nits') may be visible at the base of feathers.
Signs
- Lack of thrift in young birds.
- Lice eggs stuck to feathers.
- Parasites on birds, especially around vent.
- Irritation.
- Loss of vent feathers.
- Scabs around vent.
- Loss of condition.
- Drop in egg production.
Post-mortem lesions
- Usually none, may be some feather damage and crustiness of skin.
Diagnosis
Identification of the parasites. Differentiate from mites, bedbugs.
Treatment
Malathion powders and pyrethroid sprays where approved for bird application.
Prevention
Avoid
direct contact with wild and backyard poultry. Examine for lice
regularly, especially in autumn and winter and treat if required. It is
usually necessary to treat twice at a 7-10 day interval to fully control
the condition, as the larvae within eggs are not killed by most
products. Effective removal of all organic material at flock depletion
should be practised in all-in/all-out production systems.
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