Equine mites and lice

Question 1

Name the non-burrowing mite that very commonly affects horses

Answer 1

Chorioptes Bovis

Question 2

Describe the morphology of Chorioptes bovis

Answer 2

Rounded head
No distinct thorax
Thumbprint like detailing on body
Very short pedicels at the end of the front legs ending in a cup shaped sucker

Question 3

Summarise the life cycle of Chorioptes bovis

Answer 3

6 Legged larvae hatch from the egg laid on skin and feeds and moults through to it being 8 legged
Life cycle is 3 weeks

Question 4

Where on horses, is affected by Chorioptes bovis?

Answer 4

The lower limbs, especially those with feathered fetlocks

Question 5

Which mite causes sheep scab?

Answer 5

Psoroptes ovis

Question 6

Lice belong to which taxonomy order?

Answer 6

Phthiraptera

Question 7

What are the two lice sub-orders and compare them

Answer 7

• Mallophaga: contain the biting/chewing lice

- Anoplura: contain the sucking lice, this type is not found on birds

Question 8

What are some general features of lice

Answer 8

• Host specific
• Permanent, die within days if off host
• Eggs glued onto hairs
• Large numbers cause irritation, inflammation and pruritis

Question 9

Which is the common sucking lice species of horses?

Answer 9

Haematopinus asini

Question 10

What is the common biting lice of horses?

Answer 10

Bovicola equi