Prevalence and predilection sites of lice infestation on cattle in Abeokuta, Nigeria

Lice are one of the most prolific ectoparasites on the bovine skin and they have a detrimental impact on production and performance of cattle. A survey of the prevalence and predilection sites of lice in Abeokuta, Nigeria was carried out using 150 heads of indigenous cattle of both sexes recently acquired in batches from different parts of Nigeria. Adult lice were found on the eyelids, inner commissure of the pinna and caudal end of the tail. Of the 150 animals examined, 10.67% were infested with lice; Damalinia bovis, Haematopinus spp and Linognathus spp accounting for 4.67%, 3.33% and 2.67% respectively of the infestation. None of the cattle had mixed lice infestation. Lacrimation was the only clinical sign associated with lice infestation in all the 16 affected animals. In conclusion, there is need for a nationally coordinated comprehensive study of the parasite-host interaction, life-cycle and epidemiology of these species of lice. Also, there is need to adopt the policy of de-lousing trade cattle before transportation to the point of sale.