Bovine pediculosis: prevalence and chemotherapeutic control in Pakistan

Six hundred cattle and buffaloes each were randomly selected from population in and around district Faisalabad and examined under field conditions for the prevalence of lice infestation. Haematopinus eurysternus, Haematopinus tuberculatus, Linognathus vituli were reported in this area. Prevalence of lice was higher (24%; 144/600) on cattle than buffaloes (18%; 113/600).The prevalence was higher in adult age and lowest in older age in both the species. Closed houses were having highest infestation followed by cement type and open type houses. Month wise prevalence was found highest in months of March - April and lowest in August - September. For chemotherapeutic trial, thirty cattle and buffaloes each were randomly divided into three major groups (A thru C) each of which was further divided into two sub groups for cattle and buffaloes, respectively. The major group A was treated with ivermectin (Ivomec, MSD, Netherlands; S/C 200µg/kg b.wt.) and group B was treated with topical application of cypermethrin (Ecoflece, Bimeda, Ireland; 1mL/200mL water). The animals of group C1 were given a sham treatment of propylene glycol (S/C 8-10 mL/large animal) whereas the topical application of normal saline was done on the animals of group C2. Number of lice per animal before and after treatment was counted to determine the efficacy of drugs. It was observed that maximum control (100%) was achieved on day 28 post-treatment with the ivermectin-treated buffaloes.