Farmed Animals

Lice Infestations in Cattle and Welfare Treatment

Lice infestations are a common and welfare-significant problem in housed cattle, particularly in winter months.

Key Facts

Cattle lice cause intense itching, hide damage, weight loss, and anaemia in heavily infested animals
Infestations are most severe in housed cattle during winter when animals are crowded
Both sucking and biting lice species occur in cattle; treatments differ for each
Pour-on insecticide treatments are effective but must be applied correctly to all animals
Nutritional stress and overcrowding increase susceptibility to lice infestation

Welfare Considerations

Lice infestation in housed cattle causes chronic itching and skin damage that significantly impairs welfare and productivity. The welfare obligation is to monitor regularly for infestation, particularly during housing, and treat promptly and effectively when lice are detected. Reducing overcrowding and improving nutrition reduces susceptibility.

What You Can Do

Support welfare standards that include external parasite monitoring requirements for cattle
Advocate for training in lice identification and treatment for livestock farmers
Choose beef and dairy from farms with documented parasite management programmes
Support research into lice control methods with minimal resistance development risk