How can broiler chickens be treated for lice? - briefly
Apply a licensed poultry insecticide—e.g., a pyrethrin spray or dust—according to label rates, covering all birds and their environment. Rotate products and clean litter regularly to prevent reinfestation.
How can broiler chickens be treated for lice? - in detail
Lice infestations in broiler flocks require a systematic approach that combines accurate diagnosis, environmental management, and targeted therapeutics.
First, confirm the presence of chewing lice (e.g., Menacanthus spp.) by examining feathers, skin, and the vent area for live insects, nits, or feather damage. Laboratory identification may be necessary for species‑specific control.
Second, reduce the parasite load through rigorous sanitation. Remove all litter, clean housing structures, and apply a thorough disinfection protocol using agents effective against arthropods (e.g., quaternary ammonium compounds). Ensure that equipment, feeders, and drinkers are free of debris that could shelter insects.
Third, select an appropriate acaricide. Commonly used products include:
- Organophosphates (e.g., chlorpyrifos) – applied as a spray or dip; dosage must follow manufacturer guidelines, typically 0.5–1 ml L⁻¹ of water, with a 24‑hour contact period.
- Pyrethroids (e.g., permethrin) – administered via spray or aerosol; recommended concentration 0.2–0.4 ml L⁻¹, repeat treatment after 7 days to cover the life cycle.
- Macrocyclic lactones (e.g., ivermectin) – delivered in drinking water; dose 0.2 mg kg⁻¹ body weight, with a second dose after 5 days.
When using chemical agents, observe the following:
- Verify withdrawal times for meat to avoid residues.
- Rotate classes of acaricides to prevent resistance development.
- Record dosage, administration method, and flock response for future reference.
Fourth, consider non‑chemical alternatives where regulatory constraints or consumer preferences limit drug use. Options include:
- Diatomaceous earth applied to litter at 5 kg per 100 m², providing a physical barrier that damages insect exoskeletons.
- Entomopathogenic fungi (e.g., Metarhizium anisopliae) formulated as a spray; effective at 1 × 10⁸ spores L⁻¹, requiring humidity above 70 % for optimal infection.
Fifth, implement a monitoring program. Conduct weekly visual inspections and collect litter samples for mite counts. Maintain records of infestation intensity, treatment efficacy, and any adverse reactions. Adjust the control strategy based on observed trends.
Finally, reinforce biosecurity to limit re‑introduction. Restrict farm access, disinfect footwear and equipment, and quarantine new birds for at least 14 days before integration.
By integrating precise identification, rigorous hygiene, judicious use of acaricides, optional physical or biological controls, and continuous monitoring, producers can effectively eliminate lice from broiler operations while safeguarding animal health and product safety.