Linognathus spp. (1)

Question 1

What are the hosts?

Answer 1

Dogs

Cattle

Sheep

Goats

Question 2

Describe adults

Answer 2

Up to 2.5 mm

1st pair of tarsal claws smaller than 2nd/3rd pairs

Head narrower than thorax

Slow moving

Tend to live clumped together

Blood sucking mouthparts

Tan to bluish black

Question 3

Explain life cycle

Answer 3

Females lay eggs

Develop to nymphs and adults

Require host to complete life cycle

Gregarious form dense isolated clusters

Question 4

What are the sites of infestation in dogs?

Answer 4

Linognathus setosus - canine sucking louse

Head and neck

Question 5

What are the sites of infestation in cattle

Answer 5

Linognathus vituli - Long-nosed cattle louse

Head

Neck

Dewlap

Question 6

What are the sites of infection in sheep?

Answer 6

Linognathus pedalis - ovine foot louse

 - Feet
 - Lower region of hind limbs
 - Scrotum
 - Belly

Linognathus ovillus - Ovine face or body louse

 - Face
 - Ears
 - Cheeks
 - Neck
 - Body of heavy wool breeds

Question 7

Describe the Pathogenesis

Answer 7

Loss of body conditions

Skin damage

Weakness

Signs of animals with malnutrition or chronic disease

Pediculosis - During winter

Pruritis

Dermatitis

Severe infestation

 - Anemia
 - Production losses

Small wounds that may become infected

More prevalent in very young, old, or debilitated animals or animals in unsanitary conditions

More of an issue in housed animals (crowded)

Question 8

How do you diagnose?

Answer 8

Based on clinical signs

Identification of lice/eggs

Question 9

How do you treat and prevent?

Answer 9

Avoid direct contact with brushes, combs, and blankets

Readily treated with many flea control products
- Repeated in a week to ensure newly hatched nymphs are killed

Monthly flea control also controls lice

MCLs effective

Carbamates/Organophosphates (specifically in phenyl and heterocyclic derivative groups) effective
- Repeated (depending on insecticides used)

Question 10

What is the common name?

Answer 10

Sucking louse