How to get rid of duck lice? - briefly
Apply a veterinary‑approved lice spray or powder to the ducks and thoroughly clean their environment, removing waste and replacing bedding. Repeat the treatment weekly until lice disappear, then maintain strict hygiene to prevent recurrence.
How to get rid of duck lice? - in detail
Duck lice, commonly called quill mites, infest the feathers and skin of domestic and wild waterfowl. The parasites feed on blood and keratin, causing irritation, feather damage, and reduced productivity. Effective control requires a combination of immediate removal, therapeutic treatment, and environmental management.
Immediate removal
- Inspect each bird daily; focus on the vent area, under wings, and feather shafts.
- Use a fine-toothed comb or soft brush to dislodge visible insects.
- Collect removed specimens for identification to confirm the species.
Therapeutic treatment
- Apply a diluted ivermectin solution (0.2 mg/kg body weight) via spray or dip; repeat after 7 days to target emerging larvae.
- For small flocks, a 1 % permethrin bath for 10 minutes, followed by thorough drying, can reduce adult populations.
- Topical pyrethrin ointments may be used on localized infestations, following label dosage.
Environmental sanitation
- Remove soiled bedding, droppings, and wet litter; replace with clean, dry material.
- Disinfect housing with a 0.5 % chlorine solution, ensuring contact time of at least 15 minutes.
- Rotate pasture areas weekly to prevent re‑infestation from contaminated soil.
Preventive measures
- Maintain dry, well‑ventilated housing to discourage mite development.
- Provide regular health checks and record infestation levels to adjust treatment schedules.
- Implement a quarterly prophylactic ivermectin administration during high‑risk seasons (spring and early summer).
Following this integrated approach—prompt mechanical removal, appropriate medication, rigorous cleaning, and preventive husbandry—will eliminate duck lice populations and protect the health of the flock.