How to eliminate lice on piglets? - briefly
Treat piglets with a licensed topical insecticide, such as a pyrethrin‑based spray, applied according to label directions and repeated after 7–10 days to break the lice life cycle. Clean and disinfect bedding and equipment to prevent reinfestation.
How to eliminate lice on piglets? - in detail
Lice infestations on neonatal swine demand prompt, systematic action. Begin with a precise diagnosis: examine the skin and wool of each piglet for moving insects, nits attached to hair shafts, and signs of irritation. Confirm the species, typically Haematopinus suis or Sarcoptes spp., to select an appropriate control measure.
Implement a sanitation protocol that removes all organic debris from the farrowing area. Wash pens with hot water, scrub surfaces with a detergent, and rinse thoroughly. Disinfect using a product proven effective against ectoparasites, such as a 2 % chlorhexidine solution, ensuring contact time of at least ten minutes before drying.
Apply an approved ectoparasiticide according to label instructions. Options include:
- Topical sprays containing pyrethroids (e.g., permethrin 0.5 %) applied directly to the back, neck, and underbelly of each piglet.
- Pour‑on formulations with organophosphates (e.g., diazinon) administered at the recommended dose per kilogram of body weight.
- Systemic injectable agents such as ivermectin, delivered intramuscularly at 0.2 mg/kg, providing protection for several days.
When using chemical products, observe withdrawal periods and monitor for adverse reactions. Rotate active ingredients between treatments to prevent resistance development.
In parallel, adopt non‑chemical strategies:
- Bathing piglets with a mild soap solution (e.g., 1 % potassium soap) for five minutes, followed by thorough drying.
- Environmental management: replace bedding weekly, maintain low humidity, and ensure adequate ventilation to discourage lice survival.
- Biological control: introduce predatory mites (e.g., Hypoaspis miles) in heavily infested pens, following manufacturer guidelines.
Schedule a repeat treatment 7–10 days after the initial application to eliminate newly emerged lice. Conduct a follow‑up inspection 48 hours after each treatment to verify efficacy. Record all interventions, dates, and observations in a herd health log for future reference.
Maintain ongoing surveillance: inspect new litters within 24 hours of birth, and treat any detected infestations immediately. Combining rigorous hygiene, targeted chemical control, and supportive non‑chemical measures yields a reliable reduction in lice populations on piglets.