COWS – www.cattleparasites.org.

uk

Control of ectoparasites
and insect pests of cattle
This document is part of the COWS Technical Manual aiming to provide
a sound basis for advice to industry. The manual also comprises
chapters on controlling liver and rumen fluke, parasitic gastroenteritis,
lungworm, and integrated parasite control

COWS is an industry initiative promoting sustainable control

strategies for parasites in cattle

Ectoparasites and insect pests | November 2014 | 1

 COWS – www.cattleparasites.org.uk

Section 1: Introduction
Cattle are affected by a range of arthropod
ectoparasites and nuisance pests, which can Key UK ectoparasites
cause significant productivity losses and
severely compromised animal welfare.  Lice – severe infestations may indicate
underlying disease
Parasitic mites or lice inhabit the hair, the  Mites – cause mange with itching and
surface and outer layers of the skin and feed scratching
on host tissue or associated secretions. Both  Ticks – transmit infectious diseases
lice and mites are permanent residents on the  Flies – spread disease and disrupt
behaviour to reduce productivity
host, have populations that increase over
winter and can survive for only relatively short
periods in the environment. Their presence larvae, a condition known as myiasis, but this
often provokes an inflammatory response is relatively rare in cattle and is usually only
which results in intense itchiness and this in seen where there is a predisposing wound or
turn can lead to further tissue damage and skin lesion.
inflammation. The clinical manifestations of
mange are therefore readily observed through The clinical response and irritation caused by
the presence of inflamed skin, hair loss, these arthropods will vary widely between
inflammatory discharges, scratching and self- individual animals depending on genetic
inflicted trauma. predisposition, age, general health and
nutritional status; the latter will also be affected
Ticks feed on blood but are only present on by season and stage in the reproductive cycle.
the host for short periods in the life cycle.
When not feeding they leave the host and Heavy infestations are usually associated with
remain hidden in vegetation on the ground. young animals or older animals in poor health.
Although the numbers of ticks on UK cattle Furthermore, because of individual differences
are usually relatively low, compared with in the chemical odours that attract insects,
tropical or sub-tropical regions, they can still some cattle attract more flies and they also
cause tissue damage at sites of attachment, vary markedly in their tolerance to infestation,
occasionally complicated by secondary with some individuals showing more
infections. Tick bites can also cause irritation, pronounced behavioural changes at the same
inflammation and hypersensitivity. More intensities of biting insects than others.
critically, ticks can transmit a number of
protozoal, bacterial and viral infections, which The selection of appropriate measures for the
in turn can lead to severe, sometimes fatal, control of these parasites requires:
disease.  careful assessment of the nature of the
clinical problems they cause
A wide range of adult flies may feed on the  correct identification of the parasite
blood, sweat, skin secretions, tears, saliva,  an understanding of the epidemiology,
urine or faeces of cattle to which they are phenology and life cycle of the parasites
attracted. They may do this either by  an assessment of the cost/benefit of the
puncturing the skin directly or by scavenging intended outcome
at the skin surface, wounds or body orifices.  a careful assessment of the current
During this activity, they may act as vectors resistance status of the parasite in
for a range of disease pathogens and the question to the insecticides and
irritation they cause may lead to disturbance acaricides available.
and loss of productivity, through reduced
weight gain or milk yield. Biting and nuisance In addition, ectoparasite control needs to fit
flies can also induce avoidance behaviours in alongside the concurrent control of
hosts which disrupt normal grazing and endoparasites and with the general husbandry
resting patterns. Flies may also be of routines of the farm, detailed in the COWS
importance because of the infestation by their Integrated Parasite Control on Cattle Farms
chapter.

Ectoparasites and insect pests | November 2014 | 2

 COWS – www.cattleparasites.org.uk

Section 2: Lice
Lice are parasites that complete their entire
A chewing louse of cattle, Bovicola bovis
life-cycle on a host. They are very common
parasites of UK cattle. All life cycle stages are
found simultaneously on the host. A nymph,
which closely resembles the adult, hatches

Photo courtesy of Alan Walker, University of Edinburgh

from an egg and its size increases through a
succession of nymphal moults until the adult
stage is reached.

Lice are conveniently divided into two

functional groups: chewing lice and sucking
lice. Chewing lice feed on skin and hair, while
sucking lice have piercing mouthparts and
feed on blood. These two groups of lice are
easily distinguished, based on the shape of
the head and correct differentiation between
them is important when selecting the product
and form of application that is likely to be most
effective in achieving control.

Low burdens of lice are very common and

should not necessarily be considered to be of
any immediate pathogenic importance, lice
being almost normal inhabitants of the dermis
and coat of cattle, especially in winter.
However, louse populations can increase very usually about three to five days depending on
rapidly. Moderate infestations are associated weather, the potential for animals to pick up
only with a mild chronic dermatitis and are infestations from dirty housing is limited,
usually well tolerated. However, in heavier although it cannot be ignored.
infestations there is intense itching, with
rubbing and licking, but if sucking lice are Lice and eggs are easily found by parting the
present in large numbers there may be hair, especially along the midline. The lice are
anaemia. present next to the skin and the eggs are
scattered like coarse powder throughout the
It is important to remember that a heavy louse hair.
infestation may itself be a sign of another
underlying condition, such as malnutrition or In the UK, the heaviest infestations are seen in
chronic disease, as debilitated animals may late winter and early spring, when the coat is
not groom themselves effectively. It has been at its thickest, giving a sheltered, bulky and
suggested that lice should largely be humid habitat for optimal multiplication. The
considered primarily as indicators of ill thrift most rapid annual increase in louse
rather than being of pathogenic significance populations is seen when cattle are winter-
themselves. housed and lice numbers can build up quickly.
In late spring, there is usually an abrupt fall in
Transfer of lice between animals or herds is the numbers of lice as most of the parasites
usually by direct physical contact. Because and eggs are shed with the winter coat.
lice do not survive for long off their host, Numbers generally remain low throughout the
summer, partly because the thinness of the
Resting a warm hand on the animal’s coat for a coat provides a restricted habitat, but partly
minute or so will often encourage lice to move to because high skin surface temperatures and
the surface where they can be easily observed, direct sunlight limit multiplication and may
particularly on light-coloured cattle.
even be lethal.

Ectoparasites and insect pests | November 2014 | 3

 COWS – www.cattleparasites.org.uk

UK lice species
Four species of lice have been recorded in
British cattle, one species of chewing louse A sucking louse of cattle, Linognathus vituli
and three species of sucking lice.

Bovicola bovis (see photo on page 3) is a

chewing louse; it is one of the commonest
cattle parasites and is usually found on the
head, especially the curly hair of the poll and
forehead, the neck, shoulders, back, and
rump, and occasionally the tail switch.

Photo courtesy of Alan Walker, University of Edinburgh

If infestations reach high levels, the lice may
spread down the sides and may cover the rest
of the body. This louse is a reddish-brown in
colour with dark transverse bands on the
abdomen. An adult measures up to 2mm in
length and 0.35-0.55mm in width. The head is
relatively large, as wide as the body and is
rounded anteriorly, with the mouthparts
adapted for chewing. The legs are slender and
for moving amongst the hair, with small claws,
on each leg.

This louse causes considerable irritation to the

host animal. The skin reaction can cause hair
to loosen and the cattle react to the irritation
by rubbing or scratching, which results in
patches of hair being pulled or rubbed off. Haematopinus eurysternus, known as the
Scratching may produce wounds or bruises short-nosed louse, is a sucking louse
and a roughness to the skin. This may lead to commonly found on the skin of the poll, at the
secondary skin infections and skin trauma base of the horns, in the ears, and around the
which can appear as defects in the hide (light eyes and nostrils and even in mild infestations
spots, flecks and grain loss), reducing its it is found in the tail switch.
value.
In severe infestations, the entire region from
Linognathus vituli (see photo above right) is the base of the horns, over the face to the
a blood-feeding sucking louse, known as the base of the tail can be infested. It is one of the
long-nosed cattle louse. It is often found largest lice of domestic mammals, measuring
around the head, neck and dewlap. It is 3.5–5mm in length. The louse is broad in
medium-sized with an elongated, pointed head shape with a short, pointed head.
and body, approximately 2.5mm in length.
Solenopotes capillatus, commonly known as
Unfed, they appear reddish-brown, but after the little blue cattle louse, it is a small bluish
feeding they darken to a blue-black colour. louse which tends to occur in clusters on the
These lice form dense, isolated clusters on the face, neck, head, under the jaw, but may
host. This species is capable of transmitting spread over the shoulders, back and tail in
bovine anaplasmosis (tick-borne fever) and heavy infestations. At 1–1.5mm in length
dermatomycosis (ringworm). Solenopotes capillatus is the smallest of the
sucking lice found on cattle.

Ectoparasites and insect pests | November 2014 | 4

 COWS – www.cattleparasites.org.uk

Louse control
A range of pour-on or spot-on synthetic will give adequate control of cattle lice. Louse
pyrethroids (e.g. deltamethrin, alpha-cypermethrin control is usually undertaken when cattle are
or permethrin) is available for louse control, with housed for the winter and may be achieved
pour-on and injectable macrocyclic lactones alongside treatment for other parasites.
(MLs) also commonly used (e.g. ivermectin,
eprinomectin, moxidectin and doramectin). Treatment of all stock on farm and subsequent
Injectables may have only limited activity initial quarantine and treatment of all newly
against chewing lice and are more effective introduced animals will allow a good degree of
against sucking lice. louse control to be maintained.

Most insecticides registered for use on cattle Nevertheless, resistance is a growing problem
are not active against louse eggs. This means and reduced susceptibility to pyrethroids has
that after treatment eggs can still hatch and already been reported from herds throughout
these newly hatched nymphs must be killed by the UK. Two treatments of an aqueous (5%
the residual effects of the treatment. If, v/v) suspension of tea tree oil applied topically
however, the residual efficacy of the product to the skin, two-weeks apart, has also been
applied is short, less than two weeks, the demonstrated to be effective in the
newly hatched nymphs can continue the management of equine lice and may be a
infestation. Where this is the case, a second useful alternative in organic cattle husbandry
treatment will be required. or where resistance is suspected.

The timing and frequency of treatments

depends on individual circumstances. In many
cases treatment in late autumn or early winter

Use the product most suitable for the time of year and management of the cattle involved.
See www.cattleparasites.org.uk for products available

Ectoparasites and insect pests | November 2014 | 5

 COWS – www.cattleparasites.org.uk

Section 3: Mange mites

Infestation by mites (acariasis) can result in
severe dermatitis, known as mange. The Mange types
ectoparasitic mites of cattle feed on lymph,
blood and or sebaceous secretions, which  Chorioptic – commonest in UK
they scavenge from the skin surface or obtain  Psoroptic mange – rare in UK, found in
from epidermal lesions. Eggs hatch into a six Europe
legged larva, which then moult through eight-  Sarcoptic mange – increasingly seen in
UK and in UK goats and pigs
legged protonymph, tritonymph and adult
stages.
Transmission from host to host is primarily by
This may be completed in only 14 days. All life physical contact, but may also occur through
cycle stages are found simultaneously on the contact with a contaminated environment
host and spend their entire lives in intimate (bedding, housing, trailers, etc).
contact with their host.

Chorioptic mange
usually considered to be only mildly
Chorioptic mange on the tail head pathogenic and lesions tend to remain
localised, with slow spread.

Hosts can be asymptomatic with low densities

of mites present and thus act as carriers which
transfer the mite to other animals. However, if
mite numbers reach high densities clinical
Photo courtesy of A Forbes

pathology may be observed. Clinically affected

animals may have pustular, crusted, scaly and
thickened patches of skin with hair loss. This is
usually confined to the tail head, legs and
lower body (photo below) but in some cases
this may spread to other areas and cause
disease.

The commonest mange affecting UK cattle is However, the pathology is highly variable
caused by the mite Chorioptes bovis. depending on the intensity and duration of
Chorioptes texanus is also present in the UK,
but the difference between C. bovis and C. Chorioptic mange on the leg
texanus is of no clinical consequence. The
names Chorioptes ovis, Chorioptes equi,
Chorioptes caprae and Chorioptes cuniculi
have been used to describe the chorioptic
mites found on sheep, horses, goats and
rabbits respectively, but are now all thought to
Photo courtesy of A Forbes

be synonyms of C. bovis/C. texanus.

In cattle, chorioptic mange occurs most often

in housed animals, particularly dairy animals.
Mite populations are highest in the winter and
may regress over summer. Chorioptic mange
is most commonly seen on the feet, legs and
base of the tail and udder (photo above). It is
urtesy of A Forbes

Ectoparasites and insect pests | November 2014 | 6

 COWS – www.cattleparasites.org.uk

infection; there is also considerable individual mites results in rubbing and scratching, with
variation in clinical response to infestation and damage to the hide. High infestations have
this is may be exacerbated by ill thrift and been associated with decreased milk
underlying disease. The itching caused by the production.

Control of chorioptic mange

Only a relatively small number of products are Severe chorioptic mange
authorised for use against mange. Permethrin
is the only pyrethroid with a claim in the UK
against chorioptic and sarcoptic mange mites
in cattle. Ivermectin, doramectin, eprinomectin
and moxidectin applied topically as a pour-on
are also effective. MLs applied by

Photo courtesy of A Forbes

subcutaneous injection are generally less
effective. The treatment of all animals in a
herd and any in-contact animals is essential to
eradicate this parasite.

Treatment should ideally be followed by

immediate removal of treated animals to an
area which has been free of potentially
Chorioptes infested stock; this is particularly known, but is likely to be at least three weeks,
important when using products with low levels depending on temperature and humidity. As
of residual activity. The precise off host yet, no acaricidal resistance has been
survival of Chorioptes mites is not definitively recorded in Chorioptes mites in Europe.

Distinguishing Chorioptes from Psoroptes

mites (a)
The pre-tarsus and pullvilus (sucker) of (a)
Chorioptes and (b) Psoroptes mites assist with
visual identification.

Chorioptes bovis are about 300μm in length

and therefore are considerably smaller than
Psoroptes ovis (500-750μm). Chorioptes do
not have jointed pretarsi; their pretarsi are
shorter than in Psoroptes and the sucker-like
pulvillus is more cup-shaped (Fig a). The
mouthparts of Chorioptes are distinctly
rounder, and the abdominal tubercles of the
male are noticeably more truncate than those
(b)
of Psoroptes. Psoroptes mites, in contrast have
a characteristic three-jointed pretarsus on the
anterior legs which bears a trumpet-shaped
sucker (Fig b).
© R Wall

Ectoparasites and insect pests | November 2014 | 7

 COWS – www.cattleparasites.org.uk

Psoroptic mange
Psoroptic mange has only rarely been
Severe psoroptic mange

British Crown Copyright courtesy of S Mitchell

reported in cattle in the UK, although it is
common in parts of mainland Europe,
particularly in breeds such as the Belgian
Blue. However, the disease was diagnosed in
South West Wales in 2006 and has since been
diagnosed on more than 20 premises, the
majority in Wales but also one farm in England
and one in Scotland. Most animals infested
were beef cattle. It appears probable that this
outbreak has now been controlled, but there is
a continuing threat of importing the disease
from abroad.

Psoroptes mites may cause intense itching,

papules, crusts, skin damage and hair loss in a larger number of animals over the
(see photos right and below) and the following winter. Weight loss, decreased milk
pathology is generally considered to be more production and increased susceptibility to
severe than most cases of infestation with other infections can occur as a result of
Chorioptes. The skin below the crusts may be psoroptic mange. On gross pathology, it can
moist and bleeding may occur. Lesions are be extremely difficult to distinguish psoroptic
most common along the dorsum, particularly from a severe case of chorioptic mange and
over the shoulders and tail head. identification of mites from skin scrapings is
essential.
Where treatment has been unsuccessful, it
has been reported that clinical signs declined
at spring turn out, only to reappear at housing

Control of psoroptic mange

Severe psoroptic mange
The control of psoroptic mange in cattle is
challenging and there appears to be
considerable variation between populations in
their response to different acaricides; elements
of tolerance, resistance and host-adaptation
may all be involved in creating this variable
response to treatment in different mite
Photo British Crown Copyright courtesy of S Mitchell

populations. However, it is also often difficult

to disentangle poor treatment efficacy from
poor administration practice, particularly where
only clinically affected animals are treated.

The Psoroptes imported recently into the UK

proved difficult to control adequately. In some
cases administration of moxidectin and
ivermectin (injection) appeared to be
unsuccessful, but two treatments of
doramectin four weeks apart was effective;
repeated treatment with 4% permethrin was
also effective, although it does not have a
marketing authorisation for treatment of
Psoroptes.

Ectoparasites and insect pests | November 2014 | 8

 COWS – www.cattleparasites.org.uk

As with chorioptc mange, the simultaneous Recent studies have shown that Psoroptes
treatment of all animals on infected premises mites from cattle show slight morphological
is essential where this mite is diagnosed. differences to Psoroptes from sheep, but no
Treatment should ideally be followed by discernible genetic differences; experimental
immediate removal to an area which has been studies suggest cross-infection is possible.
free of potentially infested animals, particularly While this is probably a low risk in a farm
for products with low levels of residual activity. environment, the possibility cannot be ruled
The off host survival of Psoroptes mites is out and minimising potential contact between
about 18 days, depending on prevailing infected and uninfected cattle and sheep
weather conditions. would be a sensible precaution.

Other mange
Sarcoptic mange is caused by Sarcoptes scabiei that differ subtly in their morphology
scabiei (see photos below). This is a small, and sarcoptic mange is common in goats and
round-bodied, burrowing species, quite pigs, so the potential for cross-transmission
different in appearance and behaviour to cannot be ignored. Treatment of all potential
Chorioptes or Psoroptes. The dorsal surface is in-contact animals with systemic macrocyclic
covered with transverse ridges, but also bears lactones (MLs) may give good results.
a central patch of triangular scales.
Clinical mange caused by Demodex bovis is
Sarcoptic mange can be severe, although very rare in the UK. Where present it results in
many cases are mild. Anecdotal reports the formation of many pea-sized nodules,
suggest that it is being increasingly diagnosed each containing soft white material and
in UK cattle, although there is little survey data several thousand mites, which cause hide
to quantify this. damage. Though these nodules can be easily
seen in smooth-coated animals, they are often
Mild infections merely show scaly skin with undetected in rough-coated cattle until the
little hair loss, usually on the neck, face and hide has been dressed. Problems caused by
tail head, but in severe cases the skin infestation with demodex mites in cattle are
becomes thickened, there is marked loss of primarily a result of the damage caused to the
hair and crusts form (below right). There is hides and are usually only seen after
intense itching leading to loss of production slaughter, although in some cases infection
and to hides being downgraded because of may become generalised and fatal. The
damage by scratching and rubbing. There are muzzles, neck, withers and back are common
a number of host adapted varieties of S. sites of infestation.

Sarcoptes scabei Chronic sarcoptic mange

Photo courtesy of A Forbes
© R Wall.

Ectoparasites and insect pests | November 2014 | 9

 COWS – www.cattleparasites.org.uk

Section 4: Ticks
Ticks are blood-feeding ectoparasites that are
The tick Ixodes ricinus
only present on the host during a short
(several days) blood-feeding period.

In northerly European countries such as the

UK, intensities of infection in cattle are usually
low, averaging between one and three ticks
per infested animal. Nevertheless, they may
cause tissue damage at the sites of
attachment, occasionally complicated by

© A Jennett/ R Wall.
secondary infections, and cause irritation and
inflammation. Perhaps more importantly, ticks
can transmit a number of infections, which in
turn can lead to severe, sometimes fatal,
disease. The most important pathogens
transmitted to cattle by ticks in the UK are
Babesia divergens and Anaplasma
phagocytophilum. infested grazing, until ready to be sold for
finishing.
Babesia divergens is a protozoan parasite,
usually transmitted by the tick Ixodes ricinus Anaplasma phagocytophilum (formerly
(see photo). It is the main agent of bovine Ehrlichia phagocytophila) is a gram-negative
babesiosis, known as redwater fever. Calves bacterium, again transmitted largely by I.
up to one year old, although fully susceptible ricinus in the UK. It is the causative agent of
to infection, are relatively resistant to disease. tick-borne fever (TBF) in cattle. Infection may
Hence, in areas of high tick infection pressure, be characterized by fever and general
most animals become infected when young immunosuppression, occasionally resulting in
and acquire immunity without showing clinical more severe secondary infections. However,
signs. In older cattle, immunity is reinforced by in the UK, infection with Anaplasma in cattle is
repeated tick challenge. Thus, in areas where usually mild, the main losses being due to
babesiosis is endemic, clinical cases tend to abortion when pregnant cows become
be rare, although the parasite may be infected.
detectable in most animals.
Louping ill virus causes an acute
Outbreaks of clinical babesiosis are most encephalomyelitis particularly in sheep and it
commonly observed when this state of is frequently fatal. It is particularly prevalent in
enzootic stability breaks down, for example Scotland and south west England. The main
when naïve cattle are introduced into an area vector is the sheep tick, I. ricinus. A wide
of endemic babesiosis with high tick variety of other animals are susceptible to the
infestation pressure. As a result, babesiosis is virus, including cattle and occasionally
often seen where one to two year old beef humans.
animals are introduced to marginal, tick-

Tick control
Tick control is difficult because the ticks spend Ticks become active and start to feed in early
most of their life-cycle away from the host, spring, but the start and duration of the tick
sheltered at the base of thick damp vegetation. season is difficult to predict precisely, as it is
dependent on the weather.

Ectoparasites and insect pests | November 2014 | 10

 COWS – www.cattleparasites.org.uk

A reduction in the tick population can be tick area, prophylactic protection may be
achieved through pasture improvement, attempted.
drainage and scrub clearance, although this is
a long term exercise requiring sustained effort A range of pour on pyrethroids or MLs may
and when alternative hosts such as deer are give protection, although none in the UK have
present population management is even more a label claim for cattle against ticks at present,
problematic. so must be used under the cascade system.
Products will need to be reapplied at regular
Attempts to reduce tick populations by intervals during the tick season to achieve
environmental treatment with acaricide would sustained protection.
be unacceptable because of effects on other
invertebrates. Where required, for example
with beef cattle about to be moved to a known

Use the product most suitable for the time of year and management of the cattle involved.
See www.cattleparasites.org.uk for products available

Ectoparasites and insect pests | November 2014 | 11

 COWS – www.cattleparasites.org.uk

Section 5: Flies
Blood-feeding and nuisance flies are one of
Flies clustering on the leg of a cow
the most economically important groups of
arthropods affecting cattle.

In the UK there are at least 20 common

species of flies which feed on cattle. These
flies may feed on blood, sweat, skin
secretions, tears, saliva, urine or faeces by
puncturing the skin directly, known as biting
flies, or by scavenging at the surface of the
skin, wounds or body orifices, classified as
non-biting or nuisance flies.

Fly activity may directly cause dramatic

Photo courtesy of A Giangaspero

escape behaviour, in which self-injury can
occur, or more commonly movement into
shade, restlessness, skin rippling or simply
stamping and tail switching. However, all
these changes in behaviour result in reduced
time spent feeding and decreased
performance. For example, each horn fly
takes 20 to 30 blood meals per day and more
than 200 biting flies per cow has been shown
to have a significant economic impact on
performance. US Studies demonstrated that important. In cattle, large numbers of
calf weaning weights were on average 5 - Hydrotaea irritans often cluster on the ventral
10kg higher when flies were controlled on abdomen and udder and since the bacteria
their mother. involved in summer mastitis, Arcanobacterium
pyogenes, Streptococcus dysgalactiae and
Cattle-visiting flies are also biological and Peptococcus indolicus, have been isolated
mechanical vectors of a number of bacterial from these flies, there is strong presumption
and viral diseases and nematode infections. that they may transmit the disease. In addition,
Mechanical transmission may be exacerbated this species is believed to transmit infectious
by the fact that some fly species, such as bovine keratoconjunctivitis.
tabanids, inflict extremely painful bites, so are
frequently disturbed by the host while blood- Amongst the non-biting flies, Musca
feeding. As a result, the flies are forced to autumnalis is often the most numerous fly
move from host to host over a short period, worrying cattle on pasture. The eggs of M.
thereby increasing their potential for pathogen autumnalis are usually laid in bovine faeces,
transmission. The biting activities of blood- and if conditions are suitable the resultant
feeding flies may also provoke hypersensitivity large fly populations can cause serious
reactions. annoyance contributing to reduced production
rates. In addition to summer mastitis and
Amongst the biting flies Stomoxys calcitrans, bovine keratoconjunctivitis, these flies have
Haematobia stimulans, Haematobia irritans been implicated as mechanical vectors of and
and a range of species of horseflies viral diseases such as bovine virus diarrhoea
(Tabanidae), midges (Culicoides) and virus (BVDV).
blackflies (Simuium) may all be all be locally

Ectoparasites and insect pests | November 2014 | 12

 COWS – www.cattleparasites.org.uk

Fly control
Insecticide impregnated ear tags and tail impregnated cards and strips may reduce fly
bands mainly containing pyrethroids, together numbers indoors. Insecticides may also be
with pyrethroid pour-on, spot-on and spray incorporated in solid or liquid fly baits, using
preparations, are widely used to reduce fly attractants such as various sugary syrups or
annoyance in cattle. hydrolyzed yeast and animal proteins.

Various types of screens and electrocution However, given the high rates of reproduction,
traps for buildings are available to reduce fly high rates of dispersal and multiple
nuisance. Improved farm hygiene will also generations per year, area wide control of
help to reduce breeding places, since manure most fly populations is generally impractical.
heaps are a primary breeding site for many Generalised environmental treatment with
species of fly such as S. calcitrans. insecticides is not usually recommended
because of effects on non-target
Aerosol space sprays, residual insecticides invertebrates.
applied to walls and ceilings and insecticide-

Use the product most suitable for the time of year and management of the cattle involved.
See www.cattleparasites.org.uk for products available

Ectoparasites and insect pests | November 2014 | 13

 COWS – www.cattleparasites.org.uk

Section 6: Combining ectoparasite control

Animals are likely to be infected with a range housed animals and spot treatment of heavily
of both endoparasites and ectoparasites infested individuals (Targeted Selective
simultaneously and it is important to consider Treatment) may be sufficient to prevent
strategies that integrate treatment for infestations building up over winter and
individual farms, to minimise treatment costs reduce unnecessary treatments of individuals
and optimise impact. These are detailed in with low burdens. It may also delay the onset
Integrated Parasite Control on Cattle Farms of resistance by retaining populations of
chapter. unexposed lice on untreated cattle. Farmer
tolerance of low parasite burdens on stock
Low intensities of infection with some and effective monitoring systems which allow
ectoparasites, for example lice, may have little specific individuals to be identified for
clinical significance and eradication from a treatment are also issues to be considered for
herd is likely to be difficult and may be a TST approach.
unnecessary. Monitoring burdens in winter-

Ectoparasite control options

Lice Mites Ticks Flies***

Chorioptic Psoroptic Sarcoptic

mange mange and other
mange
Synthetic Pour-ons and Permethrin Permethrin Permethrin May give Pour-ons, spot-
Pyrethroids spot-ons only SP with may be only SP with protection, but ons and sprays,
(SP)* effective. mange claim effective but it mange claim no label claim ear tags and tail
Resistance does not have and regular bands available.
issues found a marketing reapplication Also as
in the UK authorisation needed space, wall and
ceiling sprays,
strips and baits
Macrocyclic Pour-ons and Pour-ons Injectibles Good results May give
lactones injectibles effective. effective possible with protection, but
(MLs)** effective, but Injectibles both no label claim
injections less effective injectable and regular
more effective and pour-on reapplication
against products needed
sucking than
biting lice

Notes: *Synthetic pyrethroids include: permethrin, deltamethrin, cypermethrin, alpha-cypermethrin

**MLs include: ivermectin, eprinomectin, moxidectin and doramectin
***Fly screens and electrocution traps may also help control flies

Information on individual products is available in the NOAH Compendium of Data Sheets for Animal
Medicines at www.noahcompendium.co.uk or from the product manufacturer. Duration of activity of
products can vary widely. Always check the latest product data sheet and/or product label before
advising or administering products.

Ectoparasites and insect pests | November 2014 | 14

 COWS – www.cattleparasites.org.uk

Further reading

Milnes, A. S., O'Callaghan, C. J., Green, L. E.A. (2003) longitudinal study of a natural lice
infestation in growing cattle over two winter periods. Veterinary Parasitology, 116
67-83.
Mitchell, E.S., Jones, J.R., Foster, A.P., Millar, M., Milnes, A., Williams, J. (2012) Clinical
features of psoroptic mange in cattle in England and Wales. Veterinary Record,
170.
Papadopoulos, E. Bartram, D. Carpenter, S. Mellor P. & Wall R. (2009) Efficacy of
alphacypermethrin applied to cattle and sheep against the biting midge Culicoides
nubeculosus Veterinary Parasitology, 163, 110–114.
Wall, R., Rose, H., Ellse, L. & Morgan, E. (2011) Livestock ectoparasites: integrated management in a
changing climate. Veterinary Parasitology, 180, 82– 89.
Zintl, A. Mulcahy, G. Skerrett, H.E. Taylor, S.M. Gray, J.S. (2003) Babesia divergens, a
bovine blood parasite of veterinary and zoonotic importance. Clinical Microbiology
Reviews, 16, 622–636.

Ectoparasites and insect pests | November 2014 | 15