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As producers move cattle off pasture and into winter housing, the time is right to take action to prevent lice infestations from occurring in herds this winter. Lice control is especially important this time of year for two reasons - the start of a seasonal increase in louse numbers and weather-related stress in cattle, says Jay Brown, D.M.V., director of veterinary professional services, Merial. "These factors can combine to predispose cattle to other diseases that may affect productivity." Though lice are present throughout the year, cattle may not show signs of infestation until the louse population rises in late winter. Lice irritate the skin with their feeding action. That's why lice-infested cattle often show clinical signs, such as scratching and rubbing against posts, fences and other surfaces. This can lead to decreased weight gain, lowered milk production and hide damage. "Now, as cattle move off fall pastures, is an excellent time to treat herds with a lice-control product," say Brown. The keys to making such a regimen work successfully include common sense and a few simple steps: * Treat all animals entering the same confined pen or pasture with a lice control procedure according to label recommendations. * Keep all untreated animals out of pens or pastures that house treated animals. * Eliminate contact between treated and untreated animals in adjacent pens or pastures. "If followed, these steps should provide season-long lice control in a herd," says Brown. "However, a common management oversight --intermingling treated and untreated cattle--can short-circuit the goals of a well-planned parasite-control program. Producers should work closely with their veterinarians to develop a parasite-control program that can best meet their needs - whether they have a cow-calf, feedlot or dairy enterprise." A variety of companies offer lice free guarantees if application guidelines are followed. The guarantees provide for free product reimbursement in the event cattle are reinfested with lice during a specified period of time. Check with your animal health supplier for specific guarantees. |
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