LiceBoss Resources

Annual Program for Cattle

Cattle

The annual program describes the program of treatments and interventions for each Australian climatic and geographical region (Figure 1). The recommendations for each region are generic and therefore need to […]

Chemical Mixtures and Combinations for Cattle

Cattle

Multi-active products contain more than one parasitic chemical active responsible for killing parasites. The active ingredients within a multi-active product may target the same, or different parasites. Multi-active products can […]

Macrocyclic Lactones (ML) in Cattle

Cattle

What do they treat? √ Roundworm √ Flies √ Ticks √ Lice √ Mites Warning: When using MLs to target a particular parasite, be aware that they will be treating […]

Control of Body Lice on Shedding and Hair Breeds of Sheep

Sheep

Control of Body Lice (Bovicola ovis) on Shedding and Hair Breeds of Sheep by Jenny Cotter, Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia This note deals with lice, Bovicola ovis, […]

Avoiding Dermo at Dipping in Sheep

Sheep

by Jenny Cotter, Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia About ‘dermo’ ‘Dermo’, or more correctly, dermatophilosis, is a skin infection of sheep and occasionally other species. It is also […]

Sheep Lice Control for Ewes and Lambs

Sheep

When lice are found on ewes that are soon to lamb, or have recently lambed, lice management strategies are more complex than those for a mob of similar age animals. […]

Sheep Lice Treatments – Chemical Group Characteristics

Sheep

by Jenny Cotter, Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia In 2023, available lice treatment products fall into eight chemical groups. This means that there are eight different modes of […]

Hand-Jetting for Lice Control

Sheep

by Garry Levot, New South Wales Department of Primary Industries Jetting long wool sheep to reduce louse infestations is only a stopgap measure to minimise wool damage until shearing. Lice […]

Shower Dipping for Sheep

Sheep

by Garry Levot, New South Wales Department of Primary Industries Irrespective of the apparatus used to dip sheep, it is essential for lice control that all sheep are wet to […]

Plunge and Cage Dipping

Sheep

Sheep can be treated for lice infestations by immersion in pesticide solution. Dipping equipment may be in-ground or mobile plunge dips or immersion cage dips. Mobile plunge or cage dipping […]

Off-shears Backline Treatments for Sheep

Sheep

by Garry Levot, New South Wales Department of Primary Industries Backline treatments, used off-shears, can be a relatively quick and easy method of treating sheep to eradicate lice, but they […]

Application Methods for Sheep

Sheep

Click the options below to find out more about each application method. Watch videos showing application methods PLUNGE DIPPING VIDEO SHOWER DIPPING VIDEO HAND-JETTING VIDEO

Lice Treatment for Breeding Ewes and Their Lambs

Sheep

Introduction Treatment of ewes about to lamb or with lambs at foot makes eradication more difficult. This section is only for use after you have decided to treat breeding ewes. […]

Short Wool Lice Tool for Sheep

Sheep

Introduction This program helps to assess whether sheep should be treated after shearing. It estimates the probability that the flock is infested with lice at shearing by separately estimating the […]

Rubbing Tool for Sheep

Sheep

Introduction The rubbing assessment allows users to determine the cause (or causes) of rubbing in their sheep. However, it is also used by the Short Wool assessment and the Long […]

Solve Your Current Lice Issue

Sheep

The LiceBoss Treatment Guide will assist your decision on whether existing, introduced or stray sheep should receive a lice treatment. It describes the type of treatment and associated management practices […]

Synthetic Pyrethroids and Pyrethrins (SP)

Cattle

What do they treat? √ Flies √ Ticks √ Lice When using SPs to target a particular parasite, be aware that they will be treating any other of the above-mentioned […]

Rotenone and Sulfur for Cattle

Cattle

What do they treat? √ Lice Only registered in cattle for controlling lice on calves. Note: ​​ √ Rotenone is especially toxic to fish and is harmful to many insects. […]

Why Control Sheep Lice? Economic Effects of Lice on Production

Sheep

by Peter James, University of Queensland Sheep lice are one of the three main parasite diseases of sheep in Australia. They have a significant economic impact on the sheep industry, […]

Withholding Periods for Worm, Lice and Fly Treatments for Sheep

Sheep

Withholding periods are mandatory with all registered veterinary products used to treat sheep for worms, flies or lice. These periods have been developed to indicate when the chemical residue that […]

Meat and Wool Residues

Cattle

by Brian Horton, University of Tasmania Woolgrowers rely on chemical applications to manage sheep lice and blowfly strike. A consequence of chemical use on sheep is the possible presence of […]

Tests: Are Your Lice Resistant to Chemicals?

Cattle Sheep

Tests conducted during 2019-20 assessed the current level of pesticide resistance in lice populations. The tests were funded jointly by NSW DPI and Australian Wool Innovation. The test is only […]

Pesticide Resistance for Sheep

Sheep

by Peter James, University of Queensland and Garry Levot, NSW Department of Primary Industries Resistance can be defined as a genetic change in response to exposure to a pesticide that […]

Resistance, Residues and Safety for Sheep

Sheep

New lice infestations can be prevented by careful attention to biosecurity (see Preventing lice), but once an infestation has commenced, control of lice relies almost totally on the application of […]

Stock Introduction and Quarantine Policies for Sheep

Sheep

A good biosecurity plan must assume that introduced sheep are infested with lice regardless of their history or whether there are no lice or signs of lice. Your decision on […]

Sheep Lice – Biosecurity Can Prevent Introduction

Sheep

by Jenny Cotter, Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia The prevalence of lice in Australian sheep flocks has a long-term base average of about 20-40%, but the proportion of […]

Preventing New Lice Infestations in Sheep

Sheep

Nearly all new infestations begin from contact with infested sheep. Major sources of lice are: However, infestations can also result from sheep missed at muster and therefore left untreated in […]

Online Learning: Treatment – Safe Use of Pesticides in Sheep

Sheep

The use of lice treatments should not be taken lightly, they have been responsible for illness in many farmers and shearers. Protect yourself and staff by using them safely. Structured […]

Online learning: Treatment – Pesticide Residues in Wool

Sheep

Pesticide residues are a concern for the environment, people who handle sheep and wool and for the meat trade. There are even some ‘eco-wool’ markets now looking for low residue […]

Online Learning: Treatment – Pesticide Resistance in Sheep

Sheep

The cost and labour involved in treating for lice is substantial, so it pays to be aware of resistance and to use practices likely to slow its rate of development. […]

Online Learning: Treatment – Pesticide Treatments in Sheep

Sheep

Choose the right chemical to eradicate lice, but also consider the various withholding periods, which could restrict your choice. Structured reading For those who like to see all the information […]

Online Learning: Treatment – Application Methods for Sheep

Sheep

The failure of lice eradication can often be attributed to poor application. Choose the right method for your situation and ensure that equipment and operators are up to the job. […]

Online Learning: Checking for Lice in Sheep

Sheep

Checking sheep regularly and thoroughly for lice is an essential tool for maintaining a lice-free flock. Structured reading For those who like to see all the information and simply read […]

Online Learning: Preventing New Lice Infestations in Sheep

Sheep

Nearly all new infestations begin from contact with infested sheep. A good biosecurity plan is essential for keeping lice out. Structured reading For those who like to see all the […]

Online learning: Sheep Lice

Sheep

A basic understanding of the biology of lice will assist you in identifying and controlling them. Structured reading For those who like to see all the information and simply read […]

Learn About Sheep Lice Control in Australia

Sheep

LiceBoss Online Learning is FREE Formal training is also now available through theParaBoss Certificate in Sheep Parasite Management Find the list of ParaBoss certified advisors here: ParaBoss certified advisors What […]

Itch Mite in Sheep

Sheep

by Jenny Cotter, Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia Itch mites in a nut shell The itch mite, Psorobia ovis (formerly Psorergates ovis), is a microscopic parasite that lives […]

Causes of Rubbing in Sheep

Sheep

Brian Horton, University of Tasmania Rubbing, biting and itching sheep are relatively common problems, but the correct cause is not always identified. If wrongly diagnosed this may subject the flock […]

Monitoring Sheep for Lice

Sheep

Regular monitoring of mobs for lice and early detection when an infestation begins are key elements of any well-planned lice control program. Careful inspection of sheep for lice can help […]

Monitoring and Detection of Lice in Sheep

Sheep

Careful inspection of newly purchased or other introduced sheep for lice is a critical part of a good lice biosecurity program. Regular monitoring of mobs for lice and, in particular, […]

Biology of Sheep Lice

Sheep

(Bovicola ovis) by Peter James, University of Queensland A key element in designing efficient property-specific IPM control programs is a good knowledge of the biology of the target pest. This […]

About Lice in Sheep

Sheep

Biology Sheep body lice (Bovicola ovis) are small insects, generally less than 2 mm in length with a broad reddish-brown head and a pale body. Adult lice have brown stripes […]

Dairy Cattle and House Cows

Cattle

There are a limited number of cattle parasite control products that can be used for treating cattle which are or may in future be used to produce milk for human […]

Residues and Withholding Periods

Cattle Goats Sheep

Withholding periods are mandatory with all registered veterinary products used to treat animals for internal and external parasites. These limits are set in Australia to ensure that meat and milk […]

Dung Beetles for Cattle

Cattle

Beneficial in cattle pastures. Break down and bury dung pats returning nutrients to the soil. Dung beetles disrupt parasite life cycles that rely on dung (bush flies, biting midges, buffalo […]

Environmental Contamination

Cattle

Toxic chemicals may unintentionally kill aquatic organisms and wildlife. Read and follow product label instructions. Do not allow chemicals to enter water systems. Some chemicals can be particularly toxic to […]

What is Pesticide Resistance?

Cattle Goats Sheep

Pesticide resistance is a genetic change in a parasite population that allows resistant parasites to survive treatment. Because it is genetically based, resistance to the same chemical group is passed […]

Pesticide Resistance in Cattle Lice

Cattle

No chemical resistance has been found in cattle lice in Australia. Resistance to both synthetic pyrethroids (SPs) and Macrocyclic Lactones (MLs) has been confirmed overseas. Although resistance has been suspected in Australia […]

Consider Other Parasites When Treating Cattle

Cattle

Products used to control lice will also affect other parasites. Treating lice can cause development of resistance in other parasites. Most louse control products also affect other external parasites and […]

Dust Treatment for Cattle

Cattle

One dust formulation is registered for treating lice in calves. This formulation may be useful in situations where only one or a few animals need to be treated. Dust formulations […]

Spray

Cattle

Resistance A parasite population can develop resistance to a chemical through: What is resistance? Pros Cons Safety Everyone working in the rural industry has a ‘duty of care’; a legal […]

Ear Tags for Cattle

Cattle

Some ear tag formulations, registered for treatment of buffalo flies in northern Australia and NSW, also have effect against some species of lice (see Treating lice). These tags will also […]

Pour-on

Cattle Sheep

Resistance A parasite population can develop resistance to a chemical through: Pour-on applications can be susceptible to under-dosing (see points above) plus caked mud, lesions, wet skin etc can reduce […]

Application Methods for Cattle

Cattle

A variety of application methods for administering chemical products to cattle are in use. Each product is formulated to ensure that the application method will transfer the chemical to a […]

Monitor for Mites in Cattle

Cattle

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Chemical Groups and Actives for Cattle

Cattle

Cattle parasite treatments Cattle parasite control requires the use of treatment products for both internal (endo-) and external (ecto-) parasites as part of an integrated parasite management (IPM) program. There […]

Treating Mites in Cattle: When, How and What Chemical Group

Cattle

Chorioptic mange mite Several macrocyclic lactones (MLs; ivermectin, doramectin, eprinomectin and moxidectin) are registered for use against chorioptic mange mites as pour-on or subcutaneous injection products. Topical use of ivermectin […]

Treating Lice in Cattle: When, How and What Chemical Group

Cattle

When There are no set times to treat for lice. Louse numbers peak over cooler winter months so if heavy infestations are seen, the optimal timing of treatment is late […]

Keep Lice Out of Cattle

Cattle

Check all new animals for lice. Properly apply louse treatments. Make sure to muster all animals when treating. Identify susceptible animals for extra care. Where are lice coming from? New […]

Different Species of Mites in Cattle

Cattle

Most species of mites are very small, less than 1 millimetre in length. They can only be identified accurately with a high-powered microscope, and usually by trained professional specialists. Chorioptic […]

About Mites, Signs, Impact and Biology of Mites

Cattle

Mites belong to a large group of arthropods (animals with jointed legs) with four pairs of legs, the best known being the spiders and scorpions. Mites are generally tiny representatives […]

Buffalo Louse

Cattle

This species was originally a parasite of water buffalo but is now also found parasitising cattle in northern Australia. Type Sucking louse, fine mouthparts puncture the skin to feed on […]

Tail-switch Louse (also Cattle Tail Louse)

Cattle

The tail-switch louse of cattle is mainly a tropical species, but has been found in all mainland states of Australia, and is often found on Bos indicus type cattle. These lice are […]

Little Blue Cattle Louse

Cattle

This louse is preferentially found on the face and jaw of domestic cattle and captive ungulates, namely gazelles. They are spread through direct contact. Type Sucking louse, fine mouthparts puncture […]

Short Nosed Sucking Louse in Cattle

Cattle

This is potentially the most damaging species of lice infesting cattle. In housed cattle overseas very heavy infestations can develop causing anaemia and potentially death. These lice may also cause […]

Long-nosed Sucking Louse

Cattle

This is the most common sucking louse in southern Australia, but is found in all states. Type Sucking louse, fine mouthparts puncture the skin to feed on cattle blood. Adults […]

Cattle Biting Louse

Cattle

Cattle biting lice are the most commonly seen species of lice. These lice feed on cells from the surface layers of the skin, dead skin cells and bacteria on the […]

Biology of Lice in Cattle

Cattle

Louse life cycle The life cycle of the different louse species is similar, consisting of eggs, three nymphal stages and adults (Figure 1). All stages take place on cattle. The […]

Signs of Lice in Cattle

Cattle

The first signs of lice are often the observation of cattle rubbing or loss of hair from the effects of lice as the level of infestation increases. The hair-coat in […]

Cost of Lice for Cattle

Cattle

In most cases in Australia lice do not reach levels of infestation likely to cause significant reduction in weight gains or milk production. Most Australian studies have shown little economic […]

Monitor for Lice in Cattle

Cattle

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