With the winter months upon us, one of farmers' concerns could be the effect lice has on their cattle. Typically, farmers in the Ozarks are seeing fewer occurrences of lice in their cattle due to a few factors; one being the insecticides used and also de-worming protocol. Despite the few numbers of infected herds in the Ozarks, lice can potentially be a problem for farmers not wishing to utilize insecticides or those who are opting for a more organic growth of their herd. With an infestation of lice, however, organic methods can be forced to take a back seat, if control and eradication is the goal.
According to Dr. Kelly Loftin, Entomologist at the University of Arkansas Extension in Fayetteville, Ark., “lice typically appear in the late fall and early winter and are the heaviest after the first of year.” Lice are tiny insects that infect by the thousands. “The occurrence of lice can be highly variable, depending on the history of the cattle,” Dr. Loftin said.
To determine whether or not one of your cows has been affected, check to see if they have bruises or cuts from scratching themselves. “Cattle will often damage structures, as well as themselves, by scratching to relieve their symptoms from lice,” said Dr. Loftin. These actions can cause some serious economic drawbacks from farmers. For example, “Blood loss and anemia are potential outcomes for cattle with lice,” said Dr. Loftin. He also warns that “animals which are already stressed will fair the worst with lice.” Anemia can lead to low gain in cattle and therefore the worth of a herd is greatly reduced.
Lice will spread in a herd and it is best to make sure that your herd is treated effectively to prevent the infestation of the whole herd. Dr. Loftin promotes injection methods to prevent the occurrence of lice. “Early injection methods of Ivomec, a parasiticide, greatly reduces the amount of lice seen in the Ozarks,” he said. Typically, in the Ozarks, the combination of insecticides, injections, and de-worming protocol, helps prevents the manifestation of lice.
Area farmers should be aware of the drawbacks lice have on their cattle; checking often for signs of scratching or bruising. Dr. Loftin stated that he “sees less treatment for lice in the Ozarks than other pests such as internal parasites.”
When cattle are busy scratching and being generally irritated by pests, they are taking time away from consumption and weight gain.
Nonetheless, Ozark farmers should make sure they have properly controlled their cattle so as to not to have a lice manifestation after the first of the year.
