Lice Flashcards
Describe the variation of flattening between lice and flies
Lice are dorso-ventrally flattened
Fleas are laterally flattened
What is the technical term for lice
Phthiraptera
Describe the physical adaptations of lice
Claws
Dorso-ventrally flattened
Wingless
Mouthparts are adapted for either chewing on epidermal debris or for sucking blood
Which of these lice are for sucking and chewing
Describe the appearance of louse eggs
Pale, translucent and suboval
firmly glues to hairs near to the skin
Describe the lifecycle of lice
Egg -> nymph -> adult
3-4 weeks
All takes place on host
Transmission through direct contact
Describe the direct effects of lice
Pediculosis - infestation of lice
=> pruritus and dermal irritation
Describe the clinical signs of lice infestation
Rough coat
Lowered production
Loss of hair
Local scarification
Anaemia
Infected wounds
Describe the indirect effects of lice
Spread of pathogens e.g., tapeworm, swine pox
Describe the effect of lice on farm animals
Infested animals bite, scratch and rub
=> self trauma, damaged fences, trees and building
- welfare and economic considerations due to hide damage, weight loss, poor milk production etc
Describe the effect of lice on birds
Can be fatal to chicks
Lice infestations cause severe irritation leading to:
- restlessness
- feather damage
- feather plucking
- cessation of feeding
- death
What are the suborders of phthiraptera (Lice)
Anoplura - sucking lice
Rhynchophthirina - elephant lice
Amblycera - chewing lice
Ischnocera - chewing lice
Give examples of sucking lice and the hosts they infest
How do you differentiate between linognathus and haemoatopinus sucking lice?
Linognathus - shorter front legs
Haematopinus - all legs same length
Name different chewing lice and the hosts that they infest
