External Parasites of Sheep and Goats and Their Control
DR. B. UPADHYA, UK
Arthropod pests limit production in the sheep and goat industry in many ways. External parasites feed on body tissue such as blood, skin, and hair. The wounds and skin irritation produced by these parasites result in discomfort and irritation to the animal. Parasites can transmit diseases from sick to healthy animals. They can reduce weight gains and milk production. In general, infested livestock cannot be efficiently managed to realize optimum production levels.
Lice
Lice are external parasites which spend their entire lives on the sheep or goat. Both immature and adult stages suck the blood or feed on the skin. Goat lice are host specific and only attack goats and their close relatives such as sheep.
Louse-infested animals may be recognized by their dull, matted coat or excessive scratching and grooming behavior. Sucking lice pierce the host’s skin and draw blood. Biting lice have chewing mouthparts and feed on particles of hair, scab and skin exudations. The irritation from louse-feeding causes animals to rub and scratch, causing raw areas on the skin or loss of hair. Weight loss may occur as a result of nervousness and improper nutrition. Milk production is reduced about 25 percent. Also, the host is often listless and in severe cases the loss of blood to sucking lice can lead to anemia.
Lice are generally transmitted from one animal to another by contact. Transmission from herd to herd is usually accomplished by transportation of infested animals, although some lice may move from place to place by clinging to flies (phoresy). Lice are most often introduced to herds by bringing in infested animals.
Louse populations vary seasonally, depending largely on the condition of the host. Most sucking and biting lice begin to increase in number during the fall and reach peak populations in late winter or early spring. Summer populations are usually minimal, causing no obvious symptoms. Animals under stress will usually support larger louse populations than normally found.
Control of louse infestations is needed whenever an animal scratches and rubs to excess. Louse control is difficult since pesticides do not kill the louse egg. Since eggs of most species will hatch 8 to 12 days after pesticide application, retreatment is necessary 2 weeks after the first pesticide application.
There are 4 kinds of biting lice and 5 kinds of sucking lice that can attack sheep and goats.
Biting Lice
The angora goat biting louse, Bovicola limbata and Holokartikos crassipes are the two major biting lice species. The goat biting louse (Figure 1) and the sheep biting louse are of lesser significance.
Figure 1. Goat biting louse life cycle.
All four species live on the skin surface feeding on scales, bits of hair and other skin surface debris. Egg hatch requires 9 to 12 days, and the entire life cycle averages 1 month. The biting lice of goats are world-wide in distribution with winter-time populations being most severe.
The best control of biting lice is an animal residual spray. Retreatment is recommended 2 weeks after the first pesticide application for most insecticides.
Sucking Lice
Five species of sucking lice attack sheep and goats. The following are of importance:
- African blue louse – Found in semi-tropical climates in the United States, India and Puerto Rico. They are found on the body, head, and neck. Heavy populations have caused the death of the host.
- Foot louse – This louse prefers the feet and legs of goats and sheep. Populations peak in the spring and at that time the lice may affect the belly area as well. Scrotum infestations on bucks are common. Lambs seem to have the highest infestations. Egg hatch for this species of louse takes longer than the other species. Therefore, retreatment should be applied after 3 weeks for most insecticides.
- Goat sucking louse – Populations (Figure 2) are dispersed over the animal’s body. It is also found on sheep.
- The face and body louse and the long-nosed cattle louse – These are minor pests.
Figure 2. Goat sucking louse life cycle.
Nose Bot Fly
The nose bot fly (Figure 3) infests the nostrils of sheep and goats. In infested animals, there is a discharge from the nostrils, biforous shaking of the head, loss of appetite and grating of the teeth. In the presence of the adult fly, the animals are excited, shake their heads, snort and rush with their noses in the dust.
Figure 3. Nose bot flies.
Nose bot flies are a winter-time problem. Up to 25 bots have been found in the nasal passages of sheep in Florida. They may cause eye damage in man. The larvae of the fly are laid in the nostrils. They migrate up the nasal passages and feed on mucous and mucous membranes. Currently, an ivermectin oral dreanch is the only available treatment.
Keds
Keds (Figure 4) (Hippoboscidae), also known as louse flies, are large, flattened, usually wingless parasitic flies. Two species feed on goats, but one reproduces on deer and feeds on sheep. Sheep ked bites cause irritation and prompt the infested animals to rub, bite, and scratch. They may also roll on the ground in an attempt to relieve irritation.
Figure 4. Ked
Keds usually do not cause great damage if the animal is fed on a highly nutritious diet, but sheep grazed throughout the year on pasture or range may acquire heavy burdens of keds during winter and early spring.
Eggs are retained and hatch within the body of the female ked and develop into fully grown larvae ready to pupate. These larvae are then glued to hairs of the host. A female ked is capable of developing only one larva at a time. During the female’s life of 100 to 130 days, she produces around 10 to 15 young, giving birth every 8 to 9 days. The pupal stage lasts from 18 to 30 days.
Infestations of Fly Maggots
Fly maggots, (Myiasis), is the presence of fly larvae in the living host. Several kinds of maggots infest the wounds of warm-blooded animals; however, the only one that feeds exclusively on live flesh is the primary screwworm. Sterile male releases have irradiated the primary screwworm fly from the Southeast; but there is constant danger of reinfestation.
Other species such as the secondary screwworm and other blow flies may also infest wounds. These species normally lay their eggs on carcasses of dead animals and may occasionally occur in open wounds. Although these species may cause worry, they will not consume living flesh and will feed only on dead flesh and wound secretions. Infestations of secondary screwworm often follows an injury which produces untreated wounds or management practices which allow animals to develop bacterial skin infestations. These problems must be cleared up to prevent secondary screwworm infestation.
There is no simple way to differentiate between primary screwworm and other fly larvae. Any suspected screwworm case should be reported to the county extension director. Samples of eggs and maggots should be saved in a small container filled with a 70% alcohol solution.
Mites
Itch or mange mites (Figure 5) (Psoroptes, Sarcoptes) feed on the surface or burrow within the skin, making very slender, winding tunnels from 0.1 to 1 inch long. The fluid discharged at the tunnel openings dries to form nodules. A toxin is also secreted which causes intense irritation and itching. Infested animals rub and scratch continuously. Infestations are contagious and treatment of all animals in a herd is essential to achieve control. Delayed egg hatch requires retreatment at 10 days.
Figure 5. Itch mite.
The most common mange of sheep and goats is Psoroptic ear mite (Psoroptes caniculi) or scab mite. It lives in the auditory canal and temporarily on the body.
Fleas (Siphonaptera)
Fleas are small, wingless insects varying from 1.0 to 8.5 mm in length. They are narrow insects compressed on the sides with spines directed backwards. Most species move about a great deal and remain on the host only part of the time to obtain a blood meal. The legs are well developed and they can jump as far as 7 to 8 inches.
The larvae (Figure 6) are very small worm-like, legless insects with chewing mouthparts. In several weeks they go through 3 larval stages, feeding on organic debris. The pupal stage lasts approximately one week, then the newly emerged adult flea is ready to feed on blood within 24 hours.
Figure 6. Flea life cycle.
The sticktight flea (Figure 7) is the most common flea on sheep and goats. It attaches firmly to its host usually about the face and ears. This species remains attached to its host for as long as 2 to 3 weeks. During this time eggs are laid. They drop to the ground and hatch into larvae. Large populations of this flea may cause ulcers on the head and ears. Flea infestations often spread to other animals including man.
Figure 7. Sticktight flea.
External Parasite Control Recommendations for Dairy Goats
Very few pesticides are registered for control of parasites on dairy goats. Read all warnings, directions, and precautions carefully to insure proper usage.
Keys to Pesticide Safety
- Before using any pesticide, stop and read the precautions.
- Read the label on each pesticide container before each use. Heed all warnings and precautions.
- Store all pesticides in their original container away from food or feed.
- Keep pesticides out of the reach of children, pets, and livestock.
- Apply pesticides only as directed.
- Dispose of empty containers promptly and safely.
These recommendations are guidelines only. The user must insure that the pesticide is applied in strict compliance with label directions. The Food and Drug Administration has established residue tolerances for certain insecticides in the meat and milk of certain animals. When these and other approved insecticides are applied according to recommendations, the pests should be effectively controlled and the animals’ products will be safe for use as food.
The improper use of insecticides may result in residue in milk or meat. Such products must not be delivered to processing plants. To avoid excessive residues, use the insecticides recommended at the time recommended and in the amounts recommended. Remember that goats are smaller animals than cattle and require proportionately less pesticide for adequate treatment. Be careful not to over treat animals. Spray with enough pressure to penetrate the hair coat and wet the skin. Less than 1 quart of spray should be enough to produce complete coverage per animal.
Table 1. Registered Insecticides for Specific Sheep Pests.
| Insecticide | Formulation | Re-Treatment Interval | Comments from Label |
| Black Flies | |||
| Atroban 11% EC Insecticide (permethrin) | Emulsifiable Concentrate | 2 weeks | Mix thoroughly according to label directions. (Reg 06/07) |
| GardStar 40% EC (permethrin) | Emulsifiable Concentrate | 10-14 days | Dilute and apply according to label directions. May be used as a high pressure spray, low pressure spray (hand-pump sprayer), or backrubber. (Reg 03/06) |
| Blow Flies | |||
| Permectrin II (permethrin) |
Emulsifiable Concentrate | 2 weeks | Spray or dip animals. (Reg 06/07) |
| Deer Flies | |||
| Catron IV (permethrin) | Aerosol | Spray according to label directions. (Reg 06/07) |
|
| GardStar 40% EC (permethrin) | Emulsifiable Concentrate | 10-14 days | Dilute and apply according to label directions. May be used as a high pressure spray, low pressure spray (hand-pump sprayer), or backrubber. (Reg 03/06) |
| Eye Gnats | |||
| Atroban 11% EC Insecticide (permethrin) | Emulsifiable Concentrate | 2 weeks | Mix thoroughly according to label directions. (Reg 06/07) |
| Catron IV (permethrin) | Aerosol | Spray according to label directions. (Reg 06/07) |
|
| GardStar 40% EC (permethrin) | Emulsifiable Concentrate | 10-14 days | Dilute and apply according to label directions. May be used as a high pressure spray, low pressure spray (hand-pump sprayer), or backrubber. (Reg 03/06) |
| Fleece Worms | |||
| Catron IV (permethrin) | Aerosol | Spray according to label directions. (Reg 06/07) |
|
| Horn Flies | |||
| Atroban 11% EC Insecticide (permethrin) | Emulsifiable Concentrate | 2 weeks | Mix thoroughly according to label directions. (Reg 06/07) |
| Atroban 42.5% EC (permethrin) | Emulsifiable Concentrate | 10 to 14 days | Apply diluted product, according to label directions as a dip or spray. (Reg 06/07) |
| Catron IV (permethrin) | Aerosol | Spray according to label directions. (Reg 06/07) |
|
| GardStar 40% EC (permethrin) | Emulsifiable Concentrate | 10-14 days | Dilute and apply according to label directions. May be used as a high pressure spray, low pressure spray (hand-pump sprayer), or backrubber. (Reg 03/06) |
| Permectrin (permethrin) | Pour-On | As needed, but not more than once every two weeks. | Pour along back line and down face. (Reg 06/07) |
| Python Dust (zeta-cypermethrin) | Dust | Can be applied by dust bag, shaker can, dusting glove and mechanical dust applicator. (Reg 03/06) | |
| Horse Flies | |||
| Atroban 11% EC Insecticide (permethrin) | Emulsifiable Concentrate | 2 weeks | Mix thoroughly according to label directions. (Reg 06/07) |
| Atroban 42.5% EC (permethrin) | Emulsifiable Concentrate | 10 to 14 days | Apply diluted product, according to label directions as a dip or spray. (Reg 06/07) |
| Catron IV (permethrin) | Aerosol | Spray according to label directions. (Reg 06/07) |
|
| GardStar 40% EC (permethrin) | Emulsifiable Concentrate | 10-14 days | Dilute and apply according to label directions. May be used as a high pressure spray, low pressure spray (hand-pump sprayer), or backrubber. (Reg 03/06) |
| House Flies | |||
| Atroban 11% EC Insecticide (permethrin) | Emulsifiable Concentrate | 2 weeks | Apply diluted product, according to label directions as a dip or spray. (Reg 06/07) |
| Atroban 42.5% EC (permethrin) | Emulsifiable Concentrate | 10 to 14 days | Apply diluted product, according to label directions as a dip or spray. (Reg 06/07) |
| Catron IV (permethrin) | Aerosol | Spray according to label directions. (Reg 06/07) |
|
| GardStar 40% EC (permethrin) | Emulsifiable Concentrate | 10-14 days | Dilute and apply according to label directions. May be used as a high pressure spray, low pressure spray (hand-pump sprayer), or backrubber. (Reg 03/06) |
| Keds | |||
| Atroban 11% EC Insecticide (permethrin) | Emulsifiable Concentrate | 2 weeks | Apply diluted product, according to label directions as a dip or spray. (Reg 06/07) |
| Atroban Delice Pour-On Insecticide (permethrin) | Pour-On | 2 weeks | No dilution necessary. Apply according to label directions. (Reg 06/07) |
| Boss Pour-On Insecticide (permethrin) | Pour-On | 2 weeks | Pour proper amount along back. (Reg 06/07) |
| GardStar 40% EC (permethrin) | Emulsifiable Concentrate | 10-14 days | Dilute and apply according to label directions. May be used as a high pressure spray, low pressure spray (hand-pump sprayer), or backrubber. (Reg 03/06) |
| Permectrin (permethrin) | Pour-On | As needed, but not more than once every two weeks. | Pour along back line, over neck, shoulders, and rump. (Reg 06/07) |
| Permectrin CDS (permethrin) | Pour-On | Pour along back. For optimum control, all animals in flock should be treated after shearing. (Reg 06/07) | |
| Python Dust (zeta-cypermethrin) | Dust | Can be applied by dust bag, shaker can, dusting glove and mechanical dust applicator. (Reg 03/06) | |
| Synergized Delice Pour-On Insecticide (permethrin -synergized) |
Pour-On | 14 days | Pour along back. For optimum control, all animals in flock should be treated after shearing. (Reg 06/07) |
| Ultra Boss Pour-On (permethrin) | Pour-On | 2 weeks | Pour along back. (Reg 06/07) |
| Lice | |||
| Atroban 11% EC Insecticide (permethrin) | Emulsifiable Concentrate | 2 weeks | Apply diluted product, according to label directions as a dip or spray. (Reg 06/07) |
| Atroban Delice Pour-On Insecticide (permethrin) | Pour-On | 2 weeks | No dilution necessary. Apply according to label directions. (Reg 06/07) |
| Boss Pour-On Insecticide (permethrin) | Pour-On | 2 weeks | Pour proper amount along back. For optimum lice control, two treatments at 14 day intervals are recommended. (Reg 06/07) |
| GardStar 40% EC (permethrin) | Emulsifiable Concentrate | 10-14 days | Dilute and apply according to label directions. May be used as a high pressure spray, low pressure spray (hand-pump sprayer), or backrubber. (Reg 03/06) |
| Permectrin (permethrin) | Pour-On | As needed, but not more than once every two weeks. | Pour along back line and down face. (Reg 06/07) |
| Permectrin CDS (permethrin) | Pour-On | Pour along back. For optimum control, all animals in flock should be treated after shearing. (Reg 06/07) | |
| Permectrin II (permethrin) |
Emulsifiable Concentrate | 2 weeks | Spray or dip animals. (Reg 06/07) |
| Python Dust (zeta-cypermethrin) | Dust | Can be applied by dust bag, shaker can, dusting glove and mechanical dust applicator. (Reg 03/06) | |
| Synergized Delice Pour-On Insecticide (permethrin – synergized) |
Pour-On | 14 days | Pour along back. For optimum control, all animals in flock should be treated after shearing. (Reg 06/07) |
| Ultra Boss Pour-On (permethrin) | Pour-On | 2 weeks | Pour along back. For optimum lice control, two treatments at 14-day intervals are recommended. (Reg 06/07) |
| Mites (Mange) | |||
| Atroban 11% EC Insecticide (permethrin) | Emulsifiable Concentrate | 2 weeks | Apply diluted product, according to label directions as a dip or spray. (Reg 06/07) |
| Atroban 42.5% EC (permethrin) | Emulsifiable Concentrate | 10 to 14 days | Apply diluted product, according to label directions as a dip or spray. (Reg 06/07) |
| GardStar 40% EC (permethrin) | Emulsifiable Concentrate | 10-14 days | Dilute and apply according to label directions. May be used as a high pressure spray, low pressure spray (hand-pump sprayer), or backrubber. (Reg 03/06) |
| Permectrin II (permethrin) |
Emulsifiable Concentrate | 2 weeks | Spray or dip animals. (Reg 06/07) |
| Mites (Scabies) | |||
| Atroban 11% EC Insecticide (permethrin) | Emulsifiable Concentrate | 2 weeks | Apply diluted product, according to label directions as a dip or spray. (Reg 06/07) |
| Atroban 42.5% EC (permethrin) | Emulsifiable Concentrate | 10 to 14 days | Apply diluted product, according to label directions as a dip or spray. (Reg 06/07) |
| GardStar 40% EC (permethrin) | Emulsifiable Concentrate | 10-14 days | Dilute and apply according to label directions. May be used as a high pressure spray, low pressure spray (hand-pump sprayer), or backrubber. (Reg 03/06) |
| Mosquitoes | |||
| Atroban 11% EC Insecticide (permethrin) | Emulsifiable Concentrate | 2 weeks | Apply diluted product, according to label directions as a dip or spray. (Reg 06/07) |
| Atroban 42.5% EC (permethrin) | Emulsifiable Concentrate | 10 to 14 days | Apply diluted product, according to label directions as a dip or spray. (Reg 06/07) |
| GardStar 40% EC (permethrin) | Emulsifiable Concentrate | 10-14 days | Dilute and apply according to label directions. May be used as a high pressure spray, low pressure spray (hand-pump sprayer), or backrubber. (Reg 03/06) |
| Permectrin II (permethrin) |
Emulsifiable Concentrate | 2 weeks | Spray or dip animals. (Reg 06/07) |
| Stable Flies | |||
| Atroban 11% EC Insecticide (permethrin) | Emulsifiable Concentrate | 2 weeks | Apply diluted product, according to label directions as a dip or spray. (Reg 06/07) |
| Atroban 42.5% EC (permethrin) | Emulsifiable Concentrate | 10 to 14 days | Apply diluted product, according to label directions as a dip or spray. (Reg 06/07) |
| Catron IV (permethrin) | Aerosol | Spray according to label directions. (Reg 06/07) | |
| GardStar 40% EC (permethrin) | Emulsifiable Concentrate | 10-14 days | Dilute and apply according to label directions. May be used as a high pressure spray, low pressure spray (hand-pump sprayer), or backrubber. (Reg 03/06) |
| Ticks | |||
| Atroban 11% EC Insecticide (permethrin) | Emulsifiable Concentrate | 2 weeks | Apply diluted product, according to label directions as a dip or spray. (Reg 06/07) |
| Atroban 42.5% EC (permethrin) | Emulsifiable Concentrate | 10 to 14 days | Apply diluted product, according to label directions as a dip or spray. (Reg 06/07) |
| Catron IV (permethrin) | Aerosol | Spray according to label directions. (Reg 06/07) | |
| GardStar 40% EC (permethrin) | Emulsifiable Concentrate | 10-14 days | Dilute and apply according to label directions. May be used as a high pressure spray, low pressure spray (hand-pump sprayer), or backrubber. (Reg 03/06) |
| Permectrin II (permethrin) |
Emulsifiable Concentrate | 2 weeks | Spray or dip animals. (Reg 06/07) |
| Python Dust (zeta-cypermethrin) | Dust | Can be applied by dust bag, shaker can, dusting glove and mechanical dust applicator. (Reg 03/06) | |
| Ticks (Ear) | |||
| Catron IV (permethrin) | Aerosol | Spray according to label directions. (Reg 06/07) |
|
Table 2. Registered Insecticides for Specific Goat (lactating and non-lactating) Pests.
| Insecticide | Formulation | Re-Treatment Interval | Comments from Label |
| Black Flies | |||
| Atroban 11% EC Insecticide (permethrin) | Emulsifiable Concentrate | 2 weeks | Mix thoroughly according to label directions. (Reg 06/07) |
| GardStar 40% EC (permethrin) | Emulsifiable Concentrate | 10-14 days | Dilute and apply according to label directions. May be used as a high pressure spray, low pressure spray (hand-pump sprayer), or backrubber. (Reg 03/06) |
| Deer Flies | |||
| Catron IV (permethrin) | Aerosol | Spray according to label directions. (Reg 06/07) |
|
| GardStar 40% EC (permethrin) | Emulsifiable Concentrate | 10-14 days | Dilute and apply according to label directions. May be used as a high pressure spray, low pressure spray (hand-pump sprayer), or backrubber. (Reg 03/06) |
| Eye Gnats | |||
| Atroban 11% EC Insecticide (permethrin) | Emulsifiable Concentrate | 2 weeks | Mix thoroughly according to label directions. (Reg 06/07) |
| Catron IV (permethrin) | Aerosol | Spray according to label directions. (Reg 06/07) |
|
| GardStar 40% EC (permethrin) | Emulsifiable Concentrate | 10-14 days | Dilute and apply according to label directions. May be used as a high pressure spray, low pressure spray (hand-pump sprayer), or backrubber. (Reg 03/06) |
| Fleece Worms | |||
| Catron IV (permethrin) | Aerosol | Spray according to label directions. (Reg 06/07) |
|
| Horn Flies | |||
| Atroban 11% EC Insecticide (permethrin) | Emulsifiable Concentrate | 2 weeks | Mix thoroughly according to label directions. (Reg 06/07) |
| Catron IV (permethrin) | Aerosol | Spray according to label directions. (Reg 06/07) |
|
| GardStar 40% EC (permethrin) | Emulsifiable Concentrate | 10-14 days | Dilute and apply according to label directions. May be used as a high pressure spray, low pressure spray (hand-pump sprayer), or backrubber. (Reg 03/06) |
| Python Dust (zeta-cypermethrin) | Dust | Can be applied by dust bag, shaker can, dusting glove and mechanical dust applicator. (Reg 03/06) | |
| Horse Flies | |||
| Atroban 11% EC Insecticide (permethrin) | Emulsifiable Concentrate | 2 weeks | Mix thoroughly according to label directions. (Reg 06/07) |
| Catron IV (permethrin) | Aerosol | Spray according to label directions. (Reg 06/07) |
|
| GardStar 40% EC (permethrin) | Emulsifiable Concentrate | 10-14 days | Dilute and apply according to label directions. May be used as a high pressure spray, low pressure spray (hand-pump sprayer), or backrubber. (Reg 03/06) |
| House Flies | |||
| Atroban 11% EC Insecticide (permethrin) | Emulsifiable Concentrate | 2 weeks | Apply diluted product, according to label directions as a dip or spray. (Reg 06/07) |
| Catron IV (permethrin) | Aerosol | Spray according to label directions. (Reg 06/07) |
|
| GardStar 40% EC (permethrin) | Emulsifiable Concentrate | 10-14 days | Dilute and apply according to label directions. May be used as a high pressure spray, low pressure spray (hand-pump sprayer), or backrubber. (Reg 03/06) |
| Keds | |||
| Atroban 11% EC Insecticide (permethrin) | Emulsifiable Concentrate | 2 weeks | Apply diluted product, according to label directions as a dip or spray. (Reg 06/07) |
| GardStar 40% EC (permethrin) | Emulsifiable Concentrate | 10-14 days | Dilute and apply according to label directions. May be used as a high pressure spray, low pressure spray (hand-pump sprayer), or backrubber. (Reg 03/06) |
| Python Dust (zeta-cypermethrin) | Dust | Can be applied by dust bag, shaker can, dusting glove and mechanical dust applicator. (Reg 03/06) | |
| Lice | |||
| Atroban 11% EC Insecticide (permethrin) | Emulsifiable Concentrate | 2 weeks | Apply diluted product, according to label directions as a dip or spray. (Reg 06/07) |
| GardStar 40% EC (permethrin) | Emulsifiable Concentrate | 10-14 days | Dilute and apply according to label directions. May be used as a high pressure spray, low pressure spray (hand-pump sprayer), or backrubber. (Reg 03/06) |
| Python Dust (zeta-cypermethrin) | Dust | Can be applied by dust bag, shaker can, dusting glove and mechanical dust applicator. (Reg 03/06) | |
| Mites (Mange) | |||
| Atroban 11% EC Insecticide (permethrin) | Emulsifiable Concentrate | 2 weeks | Apply diluted product, according to label directions as a dip or spray. (Reg 06/07) |
| GardStar 40% EC (permethrin) | Emulsifiable Concentrate | 10-14 days | Dilute and apply according to label directions. May be used as a high pressure spray, low pressure spray (hand-pump sprayer), or backrubber. (Reg 03/06) |
| Mites (Scabies) | |||
| Atroban 11% EC Insecticide (permethrin) | Emulsifiable Concentrate | 2 weeks | Apply diluted product, according to label directions as a dip or spray. (Reg 06/07) |
| GardStar 40% EC (permethrin) | Emulsifiable Concentrate | 10-14 days | Dilute and apply according to label directions. May be used as a high pressure spray, low pressure spray (hand-pump sprayer), or backrubber. (Reg 03/06) |
| Mosquitoes | |||
| Atroban 11% EC Insecticide (permethrin) | Emulsifiable Concentrate | 2 weeks | Apply diluted product, according to label directions as a dip or spray. (Reg 06/07) |
| GardStar 40% EC (permethrin) | Emulsifiable Concentrate | 10-14 days | Dilute and apply according to label directions. May be used as a high pressure spray, low pressure spray (hand-pump sprayer), or backrubber. (Reg 03/06) |
| Stable Flies | |||
| Atroban 11% EC Insecticide (permethrin) | Emulsifiable Concentrate | 2 weeks | Apply diluted product, according to label directions as a dip or spray. (Reg 06/07) |
| Catron IV (permethrin) | Aerosol | Spray according to label directions. (Reg 06/07) |
|
| GardStar 40% EC (permethrin) | Emulsifiable Concentrate | 10-14 days | Dilute and apply according to label directions. May be used as a high pressure spray, low pressure spray (hand-pump sprayer), or backrubber. (Reg 03/06) |
| Ticks | |||
| Atroban 11% EC Insecticide (permethrin) | Emulsifiable Concentrate | 2 weeks | Apply diluted product, according to label directions as a dip or spray. (Reg 06/07) |
| Catron IV (permethrin) | Aerosol | Spray according to label directions. (Reg 06/07) |
|
| GardStar 40% EC (permethrin) | Emulsifiable Concentrate | 10-14 days | Dilute and apply according to label directions. May be used as a high pressure spray, low pressure spray (hand-pump sprayer), or backrubber. (Reg 03/06) |
| Python Dust (zeta-cypermethrin) | Dust | Can be applied by dust bag, shaker can, dusting glove and mechanical dust applicator. (Reg 03/06) |
|
| Ticks (Ear) | |||
| Catron IV (permethrin) | Aerosol | Spray according to label directions. (Reg 06/07) |
|
https://www.pashudhanpraharee.com/control-management-of-important-diseases-of-sheep-goat/
NB-External parasites like Tick, Lice. Mite & fleas & flies reduce profit & cause economic loss of sheep & goat farmer .They cause following losses to the farmer.
1-They suck blood from animals causing ill health & anemia.
2-They damage the skin for which skin becomes unsuitable for leather & its value reduces greatly.
3-Skin injury causes irritation & discomfort to animals
4-There is loss of wool in case of sheep.
5-They transmit disease
External parasites can be controlled by Dipping or spraying with insecticides & by good managemental practices. Three to four dipping or spraying is essential every year for control of these parasites.
The following insecticides are mostly used for control of ecto parasites.
1-Deltametherine (Butox) 2ml/litter of water Spray or dip
2-Cypermethrin (Ektomin. Cyprol, Tikkil, Tik-out, Pektocide) 1 ml/litter of water for spray or dip. (for flies 5ml/litter animal dip, For spraying animal house 20ml/liter of water is used)
Ivermectin injection (Neomec, Ivomec, Ivectin, Avertin) is also used as sub coetaneous injection at the dose of 0.5ml/25 Kg body weight
Doramectin (Dectomax) 1ml/33Kg Body weight can be used as intramuscular injection.
Precautions:-
1-Read all manufacture warnings & instructions before using insecticide
2-Provide adequate drinking water before Dipping else animal may drink insecticide poisoned water
3-Do not use insecticides on sick, weak animals or animal with damaged skin.
4- Do not use insecticides in kids and lambs up to 6 months age
5-Conduct dipping/Spraying in morning hours
6-In case of poisoning symptoms contact your veterinarian immediately for treatment.
Ruminants can be infected by several parasites of the skin (external parasites) which feed on the animal’s skin and blood. The parasites cause disease, loss of weight, and can lead to death of the animal. The parasites can also carry other infections and spread diseases from one animal to another. Some of these diseases can kill.
The Parasites
- All animals and man can be hosts to parasites which live on the skin.
- These parasites look like insects. Mites are very small and cannot be seen without a microscope.
- Lice (singular is louse) are big enough for you to see. Man can be infected with the head louse. Cattle, buffalo, sheep and goats can be infected with different lice which attack the body, legs or tail region. Lice live and lay their eggs on the skin amongst the hair or wool.
- Ticks are bigger than lice and can be as big as a fingernail. Young ticks have 6 legs while adults have 8 legs. All ticks feed on the blood of the host and then drop off onto the pasture. They lay their eggs on the ground. Some ticks live on one host while others may live on two or three different animals throughout their lives.
Mites
Problems caused by external parasites
- Mites cause mange. They infect the head, legs, body or tail region causing the skin to become crusted and cause loss of hair and wool. The infected area itches and the animal scratches. The host does not feed well. The infections cause loss of valuable wool in sheep and damage hides of cattle and goats.
- Sometimes young animals become infected with a skin disease called ringworm. Ringworm causes circular, whitish patches on the skin which do not itch.
- Animals can have both mange and ringworm and large areas of skin may be affected.
- Lice also cause irritation of the skin and the animal scratches, rub and bite the infected areas. The host loses, or does not gain weight, and looks in poor condition.
- Both lice and mites can pass from one animal to another.
- Biting and scratching are the first signs of infection. If you examine the animal you will be able to tell if the skin problem is caused by lice or mites, if lice are on the animal you will find them in its coat, if you do not see any the animal probably has mange caused by mites.
- Ticks are very important parasites. They bite the host and suck its blood and when full drop off onto the pasture where they can live for many months without feeding again. Animals can be poisoned or paralysed by the bites of some ticks. Ticks also spread diseases, tick-borne diseases, which can cause death of the host. Ticks cause the loss of meat, wool, milk and leather.
Lice
Treatment and Control
- Mites and lice are controlled by washing the infected area, spraying or dipping the animal with a suitable treatment.
- All of the flock or herd must be treated to ensure control. Some animals can be infected but show little or no sign of infection and the parasites will spread from them to other animals if they are not treated too.
- If an animal has only a few ticks these can be carefully pulled off making sure the mouth parts of the tick are removed.
- Rubbing ticks with a cloth soaked in kerosene (paraffin) will make them drop off the host.
- Large numbers of ticks are treated using sprays and dips. It will be necessary to treat all of the herd or flock.
- Moving animals to different pastures and resting the contaminated pasture for a length of time can help to control the ticks.
- Cutting the bushes and ploughing the affected area can help to control ticks.
- Large numbers of ticks can be found around water holes and animal shelters.
Ringworm
Ethnoveterinary Treatment
- Mix common salt and few camphor in castor oil or neem oil and apply over the affected area.
- Whole plant extract of ghaner (Lantana camara) should be diluted with the urine of cattle and apply externally.
- Boil 250 gm of tobacco in 2 litres of water and add 5 litres of water and sprayed over the body of 10-20 animals.
- If mange or ticks are a problem in your community’s livestock you should talk to your local veterinarian about it. He will advise you on the best treatment and control to use in your area. He may ask you to collect some ticks or take scrapings of skin from animals with mange so the parasite can be identified. This will help him to decide which treatment you should use.
BOOKS ON CONTROL OF EXTERNAL PARASITES IN SHEEP & GOAT CAN BE DOWNLOADED IN PDF FROM HERE:Control of External Parasites of Sheep and Goats
Source : Pashu sakhi Handbook
(Source: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/document_ig129 )
Control of External Parasites of Sheep and Goats
