Equine Mites and Lice Flashcards
Which type of mites (burrowing/non-burrowing) cause mange?
Both
Is chorioptes bovis a burrowing or non-burrowing mite?
Non-burrowing
What do chorioptes bovis feed on?
Scales and debris
Describe the morphology of chorioptes bovis
Round head- non- burrowing
Thumbprint
Very short pedicels ar the from of legs ends in cup shaped sucker
Describe the life cycle of the chorioptes bovis?
6 legged larvae hatches from the egg laid on the skin
Feeds and moults to 8 week protonymph, tritonymph
Then adult stages
How long does the live cycle of c. bovis last?
3 weeks
survive for 3 weeks off host
What is the significance of chorioptes bovis and treatment options?
Lower limbs of horses (especially feathered fetlocks), stamp their legs
Causes papules, crusty lesions, hair loss
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Clip feathers
Off license treatment- fipronil and antiseptic creams, hibbiscrub
Rugs and clippers may carry mites
How can Psoroptes and Choriptes be distinguished?
Psoroptes- trumpet shaped sucker
Chorioptes- cup shaped sucker
What order are lice in and what two sub orders of lice are there?
Order- Phthiraptera
Sub-orders-
Mallophaga- biting/chewing lice
Anoplura- sucking lice
What is an obvious sign of whether a lice is sucking or biting lice?
Head shape- biting lice have broad head, sucking narrow
What are some generic features of lice?
Host-specific
Naturally tolerated/regulated in healthy animals
Cause irritation, inflammation, pruritis
Disease is pediculosis
What are the two lice of horses in the UK?
haematopinus asini- sucking
Bovicola equi- chwing/biting
Where are lice found in horses?
Dense hair at the base of tail and mane
When are lice in horses usually seen?
Winter and early spring- thick coats
Shedding of winter coat important
How can lice infestation be avoided without assistance of drugs?
Clean all grooming implements
Check rugs/blankets
