Lets talk lice

[Jessey]

I can get rid of them normally without too much bother (just the bother of a bath) but why oh why does Hank get them every year and Jess never does? Just the amount of fur I guess. But where do they come from, can't be the straw bedding as they don't have any and Hank hasn't socialized physically with outside horses in over a year so not that. What can be done to prevent them? are there repellants? He always gets them this time of year and it's a pain if it's cold as when his coat gets wet he takes 6+ hours to dry so I normally end up clipping him but I'd rather not if I could avoid it.

 

[Kite_Rider]

I don’t have any ideas Jessey, never had experience of them personally, there was an old lady I was on my first yard who swore by diomecious earth. No idea if it works.

 

[diplomaticandtactful]

I've sprayed all the donkeys with Deosect, they may or may not have lice but they have been scratching so sprayed manes and necks.

 

[chunky monkey]

My cattle have got lice, started a couple of weeks ago. Some have got bald patches. I treated them at the weekend. The cows are out 24/7. Apparently if they are housed over winter they occur earlier as it's warmer in the shed. Not all the cattle are showing bald patches so I guess some haven't got them. I used noromectin pour on cattle wormer. But it covers lice treatment. My horses haven't got lice yet they are in adjacent pasture.

 

[Jessey]

But how can you prevent them? or are they just like flies, not much you can do but deal with them when they appear?

Hank has a bald patch on his chest, normally the first sign he's itching and at this time of year it's normally lice, though I haven't actually seen any on him yet. I'll treat him as soon as there is a less windy and hopefully drier day.

 

[Mary Poppins]

I can't stop Ben stamping his back legs. He has had the mite injections which did nothing. I changed his bedding, I groom daily and have tried all the lotions and potions around. He just keeps doing it....

 

[chunky monkey]

Legs stamping mp is more likely the mites. Lice is a different thing. I dont think you can stop it. Only treat at first signs.
Heres a pic I took this morning and last night of my bald cows. Theses haven't been treated and have gone like this in less than two weeks.

 

[Jessey]

Aw bless them, I remember getting nits as a child, it could drive you crazy!

 

[Mary Poppins]

I will take mites over lice any day.

 

[Jessey]

I will take mites over lice any day.

why? lice are at least easy to get rid of

 

[Mary Poppins]

why? lice are at least easy to get rid of

It just looks so horrible!

 

[Jessey]

It just looks so horrible!

not sure I like the thought of mites burrowing into the skin either

 

[Mary Poppins]

not sure I like the thought of mites burrowing into the skin either

Neither of them are ideal or welcome!

 

[chunky monkey]

Lice are quick to deal with and generally once a year. The mites are on going.