Why do broilers get lice? - briefly
Broiler chickens become infested because dense housing, inadequate sanitation, and close contact with other birds create ideal conditions for lice to spread and reproduce. Poor biosecurity measures and lack of regular ectoparasite control further increase the risk.
Why do broilers get lice? - in detail
Lice infestations in broiler chickens arise from a combination of environmental, management, and biological factors.
The primary sources of infestation are:
- Contaminated litter or bedding that harbors eggs and nymphs.
- Contact with wild birds, rodents, or other poultry that carry adult parasites.
- Inadequate sanitation during housing turnover, allowing residual eggs to survive.
Conditions that promote rapid population growth include:
- Warm, humid environments that accelerate egg hatching and nymph development.
- High stocking densities that facilitate direct transfer between birds.
- Poor ventilation, which raises moisture levels and creates favorable microclimates for lice.
Biological characteristics of the parasites also contribute:
- Eggs are resistant to desiccation and can remain viable for weeks in dry litter.
- Nymphs emerge within 5–7 days, reaching reproductive maturity in another 7–10 days, leading to exponential increase if unchecked.
- Adult lice feed on feathers and skin debris, causing irritation, feather loss, and reduced feed conversion efficiency.
Management practices that mitigate risk involve:
- Regular removal and replacement of litter to eliminate egg reservoirs.
- Strict biosecurity to prevent entry of wild birds and rodents.
- Routine inspection of flocks for signs of infestation, such as feather damage or visible insects.
- Application of approved insecticidal treatments following manufacturer guidelines, rotating active ingredients to avoid resistance.
- Maintaining optimal temperature, humidity, and ventilation to create an unfavorable environment for parasite development.
Understanding these factors enables producers to implement targeted control measures, reducing the likelihood of lice outbreaks and preserving flock health and productivity.