Lice infestations of livestock are usually seen during winter. Lice cause intense itching resulting in damage to hides and fleece from scratching. Lice are usually host specific and can be divided into blood sucking (Anoplura) and biting (Mallophaga) lice. They spend their entire lifecycle on the host.
The main sucking lice affecting cattle and sheep are:
The main biting lice affecting cattle and sheep are:
Sucking lice have a narrow head and mouthparts adapted for piercing the skin.
Prof. Dr. H. Mehlhorn, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf
Lice eggs, known as nits are glued onto the hair of the host animal.
Prof. Dr. H. Mehlhorn, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf