Sensitivity of two-stage sampling to detect sheep biting lice (Bovicola ovis) in infested flocks.

The sampling distribution of Bovicola ovis (Schrank) on sheep was examined in two flocks, one with a light and one with a heavy infestation of lice. The derived distributions were used to calculate the sensitivity of detecting lice on individual sheep and in flocks by fleece parting regimes that varied in number of parts per animal and number of sheep per flock, different scenarios of flock sizes, proportion infested and louse density were examined. Lice were aggregated among fleece partings in the heavily infested flock and described by a negative binomial distribution with k values between 0.3 and 1.92. The distribution was indistinguishable from Poisson in the lightly infested flock. The assumed distribution had little effect on sensitivity, except when only one fleece part per animal was examined. On individual sheep where louse density was 0.5 per 10 cm part or greater, there were only marginal gains from inspecting more than 10 parts per animal. Increasing the number of sheep inspected always increased sensitivity more than increasing number of parts per sheep by an equivalent amount. This advantage was greatest in situations where a low proportion of sheep in the flock were infested with a high density of lice, and less where a low proportion of sheep were infested with a low density of lice, or a high proportion of sheep were infested with a high density of lice.     

Survival away from sheep and alternative methods of transmission of sheep lice (Bovicola ovis)

Transmission of sheep lice is thought to occur mainly by sheep to sheep contact although the possibility of other sources of infestation is often suggested. This study investigated the period of survival of Bovicola ovis after removal from sheep under varying conditions and assessed the likelihood of new infestations arising from contaminated facilities, wool caught on fences and shearers' footwear.In laboratory studies with lice held away from sheep at 4, 20, 25 and 36.5 degrees C, adults and nymphs survived longest at 25 degrees C (LT90 of 11.7 and 24.1 days for adults and large nymphs, respectively). Nymphs survived longer than adults and lice provided with raw wool survived longer than lice provided with wool that had been degreased. Nymphal lice survived for up to 29 days on unscoured wool at 36.5 degrees C, but the LT50 was less than 9 days in most experiments. In shearing sheds in winter and early spring lice survived for up to 14 and 16 days, respectively. These periods of survival are considerably longer than previously indicated for B. ovis. Most lice dropped out of wool staples attached to a fence within 1 h and only two of a total of 225 lice were still present after 24 h, suggesting that sheep are unlikely to become infested from wool caught on fences. Adult and nymphal lice readily transferred to shearers' moccasins and survived there for up to 10 days, indicating that transmission of lice on the footwear of shearers or other sheep handlers may be a cause of new infestations. Microwaving each moccasin for 5 min killed all lice and may provide a simple method of reducing the likelihood of transmission of B. ovis between properties.     

Resistance to synthetic pyrethroids in South Australian populations of sheep lice (Bovicola ovis)

SUMMARY Lice were collected from 71 flocks detected as Infested at market Inspection in 1990 and 1991, from 16 flocks where resistance was suspected and from 31 flocks from Kangaroo Island. Susceptibility to cypermethrin was measured by a treated surface technique and survival of lice at 5 ppm or greater was taken as an indication of resistance. The prevalence of resistance was 34% in louse populations from the market inspection sample, 50% in flocks in which resistance was suspected and 68% in flocks from Kangaroo Island. Most resistance factors were in the range 1 to 20 although one louse population with a resistance factor of 91 was found on Kangaroo Island.     

Efficacy against sheep lice (Bovicola ovis) and fleece wetting of six shower dip preparations

Summary The relative efficacy of 6 shower dip chemicals most frequently used for the treatment of sheep lice (Bovicola ovis) in Western Australia was examined. Groups of 20 sheep infested with lice were treated with products containing either alphamethrin, cyhalothrin, diazinon or diazinon plus piperonyl butoxide and rotenone, formulated as emulsifiable concentrates, and with products containing either coumaphos or magnesium fluorosilicate, formulated as wettable powders. All treatments were applied through a shower dip (Sunbeam model SSD). Inspections for lice were conducted until 9 months after dipping. No lice were found on sheep treated with the 4 emulsifiable concentrate products. In contrast, treatment with the wettable powders, which contained either coumaphos or magnesium fluorosilicate as the active ingredient, did not eradicate the lice infestations. The degree to which the fleece was wetted was assessed 20 minutes after dipping and showed that the wettable powder dips penetrated the fleece less than the emulsifiable concentrate dips. Less fluid was retained by wool staples in an in-vitro test when dip wash was made with the wettable powders. It was concluded that the degree of wetting attained at dipping was an important factor in achieving eradication of sheep lice.     

Unstable pyrethroid resistance in sheep body lice Bovicola ovis (Schrank), (Phthiraptera: Trichodectidae) and its implications for lice control on sheep

A retrospective study in which the 18 years treatment history of a mob of sheep hosting a pyrethroid resistant strain of sheep body lice was compared with the coincidental changes in that strain's response to cypermethrin, provided a unique opportunity to investigate the stability of pyrethroid resistance in this species. Resistance levels remained very high (resistance factors (RF)=75-145) for at least five years following the cessation of pyrethroid treatments but within ten years had dropped to only 5, a level similar to many normal field strains and certainly not indicative of high-level resistance. Resumption of pyrethroid treatment of sheep infested with these lice caused a coincidental increase in resistance to an extreme level (RF=321) within two years. Wool producers considering a return to pyrethroid use to control louse infestations should be aware that such a strategy may not be sustainable in the long term and that in Australia effective registered alternative treatments are available.     

Bioactivity of tea tree oil from Melaleuca alternifolia against sheep lice (Bovicola ovis Schrank) in vitro

Tea tree oil (TTO) from the Australian native plant Melaleuca alternifolia has wide ranging bio-active properties, including insecticidal and repellent activity against arthropods. Furthermore, composition of commercially available Australian TTO is specified under an International Organization for Standardization standard (ISO 4730), reducing the potential for variable effects often noted with botanical pesticides. The effect of TTO, meeting the ISO standard for terpinen-4-ol chemotype, was tested against sheep lice (Bovicola ovis Schrank) in a series of laboratory studies. Immersion of wool for 60s in formulations containing concentrations of 1% TTO and above caused 100% mortality of adult lice and eggs. Exposure to vapours from TTO, delivered as droplets in fumigation chambers and when applied to wool also caused high mortality in both lice and eggs. The main active component of TTO in the fumigant tests was terpinen-4-ol. Treated surface assays and tests with wool where the formulation was allowed to dry before exposure of lice indicated low persistence. These studies demonstrate that TTO is highly toxic to sheep lice and active at concentrations that suggest potential for the development of TTO-based ovine lousicides.     

Dipping and jetting with tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) oil formulations control lice (Bovicola ovis) on sheep

The in vivo pediculicidal effectiveness of 1% and 2% formulations of tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) oil (TTO) against sheep chewing lice (Bovicola ovis) was tested in two pen studies. Immersion dipping of sheep shorn two weeks before treatment in both 1% and 2% formulations reduced lice to non detectable levels. No lice were found on any of the treated sheep despite careful inspection of at least 40 fleece partings per animal at 2, 6, 12 and 20 weeks after treatment. In the untreated sheep louse numbers increased from a mean (±SE) of 2.4 (±0.7) per 10cm fleece part at 2 weeks to 12.3 (±4.2) per part at 20 weeks. Treatment of sheep with 6 months wool by jetting (high pressure spraying into the fleece) reduced louse numbers by 94% in comparison to controls at two weeks after treatment with both 1% and 2% TTO formulations. At 6 and 12 weeks after treatment reductions were 94% and 91% respectively with the 1% formulation and 78% and 84% respectively with the 2% formulation. TTO treatment also appeared to reduce wool damage in infested sheep. Laboratory studies indicated that tea tree oil 'stripped' from solution with a progressive reduction in concentration as well as volume as more wool was dipped, indicating that reinforcement of active ingredient would be required to maintain effectiveness when large numbers of sheep are treated. The results of these studies suggest significant potential for the development of ovine lousicides incorporating TTO.     

Hypersensitivity skin testing of lambs infested with the biting louse (Bovicola ovis)

Abstract Cockle, a defect of lamb's pelts, has recently been shown to be associated with infestation of lambs with the louse Bovicoh ovis. The mechanisms by which infestation with the louse leads to cockle are not known, but immunological hypersensitivity has been suggested. The objectives of our work are to determine if lambs respond immunologically to lice and, if so, whether hypersensitivity occurs. Preliminary results are presented here.     

Spatial distribution and spread of sheep biting lice, Bovicola ovis, from point infestations

The spatial distribution of chewing lice (Bovicola ovis) on their hosts was examined in Polypay and Columbia ewes initially artificially infested on the midside or the neck. Densities of lice were determined at 69 body sites in eight body regions at approximately monthly intervals for 2 years. In the second year, half of the ewes were mated and lice were counted at 26 body sites on the resulting lambs. Polypay ewes had higher densities of lice than Columbias at most inspections but there was little effect of infestation point or mating on either numbers or the distribution of lice. During periods of high louse numbers densities were generally greatest on the sides or the back. Densities on the head were also high at times and peaked later than overall louse densities. Shearing markedly reduced density but increased the proportion of lice found on the neck, belly and lowleg sites. The distribution of lice on the lambs was similar to that on the ewes except that fewer lice were found on the head. Comparisons of lice per part with the numbers of lice extracted from clipped patches indicated that a sheep with wool bearing area of 1 m2 and a mean count of one louse per 10 cm fleece parting carried approximately 2000 lice. At most times of the year inspections for sheep lice should be concentrated on the sides and back, but in recently shorn sheep greater attention should be paid to the lower neck and ventral regions. Implications of the observed distributions of lice for the efficacy of chemical treatments are discussed.     

Hypersensitivity skin testing of lambs infested with the biting louse (Bovicola ovis)

Cockle, a defect of lamb's pelts, has recently been shown to be associated with infestation of lambs with the louse Bovicoh ovis. The mechanisms by which infestation with the louse leads to cockle are not known, but immunological hypersensitivity has been suggested. The objectives of our work are to determine if lambs respond immunologically to lice and, if so, whether hypersensitivity occurs. Preliminary results are presented here.     

Variation among Merino sheep in susceptibilty to lice (Bovicola ovis) and association with susceptibility to trichostrongylid gastrointestinal parasites.

Sheep of two bloodlines of Merino were artificially infested with equal numbers of lice (Bovicola ovis) and the resulting louse populations were monitored over the following 20 months. The sheep were shorn 6 and 17 months after infestation and, for analysis, the louse counts considered in 3 years separated by shearings. Nematode faecal egg counts (FECs) were assessed on faecal samples collected on five occasions, three times following natural challenge and twice after artificial challenge with 40,000 trichostrongyloid larvae (84% Trichostrongylus vitrinus). In addition, blood samples were collected and measured for B. ovis-specific immunoglobulins (predominantly IgG), B. ovis-specific IgE and serum total IgE. Bloodlines differed significantly in the size of louse populations at the end of year 2, FEC after both natural and artificial challenge and in serum levels of all three antibodies (p<0.05). There were also large variations in louse counts and FEC among sheep within bloodlines. Louse counts at inspections after louse populations had been allowed to build up were highly repeatable, both between and within years. However, correlations with counts at inspections soon after initial infestation and following shearing were lower. FEC after natural challenge was correlated with louse counts in year 2 (r=0.45, p<0.01) and year 3 (r=0.38, p<0.05), but the correlation with counts in year 1 was not significant (r=0.25, p>0.05). FEC following artificial challenge was significantly correlated with louse counts in year 3 (r=0.36, p<0.05), but not in year 2 (r=0.25, p>0.05) or year 1 (r=0.04, p>0.05). Louse counts in the 3 years were significantly correlated with anti-B. ovis antibody concentration (r=0.60, 0.48, 0.36), but not with levels of either anti-B. ovis or total serum IgE.These results suggest that sheep with greater resistance to gastrointestinal parasites also tend to be less susceptible to lice. Whether this is due to interaction of the effects of the parasites or to correlation in underlying resistance mechanisms requires clarification.     

Further evidence that zinc sulphate compromises the efficacy of dipping treatments using diazinon to control sheep lice (Bovicola ovis)

Objective To compare the wettability and efficacy of diazinon dip wash made with and without the addition of zinc sulphate.
Design Field experiments using a shower and a plunge dip complemented by in-vitro wettability experiments.
Procedure A flock of infested sheep was divided into groups and treated in a shower dip with clear or cloudy dam water plus up to 1.5% zinc sulphate. Another infested line of sheep was treated using a plunge dip with nil or 1% zinc sulphate. In both experiments, wetting was assessed after dipping and louse counts were conducted for 9 months after treatment. Five in-vitro experiments compared the wettability of dip wash containing diazinon with up to 1.5% zinc sulphate added.
Results In the shower dipping experiment, live lice were found at 1 month after dipping in the cloudy water groups with 0.75%, 1.0% and 1.5% zinc sulphate and at 2 months in the 0.75% zinc sulphate group. No lice were found at subsequent inspections or at any time in the groups that were plunge dipped. Zinc sulphate decreased the amount of dip wash retained by wool staples in all in-vitro experiments (P < 0.05).
Conclusion Zinc sulphate should be considered as a risk factor that could cause failure to eradicate a lice infestation. The risk can be overcome by ensuring that all sheep are saturated at dipping and that the dip wash, and any holding tanks, are agitated throughout the dipping event.     

The estimated prevalence of Johne's disease infected sheep flocks in Australia

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the likely geographical distribution and flock-prevalence of ovine Johne's disease (OJD) in Australia. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study design was used. PROCEDURE: The results of abattoir surveillance for OJD carried out during 2000 were analysed to estimate the prevalence of infected flocks in three regions of New South Wales and in other States. A Bayesian approach was used to adjust apparent prevalence estimates for the assumed flock-sensitivity and flock-specificity of abattoir surveillance, and to allow for uncertainty about the true values of these measures. RESULTS: The 95% probability limits for flock-prevalence at 31 December 2000 were 0.04%-1.5%, 8%-15% and 29%-39% for low, moderate and high prevalence regions of New South Wales respectively. The other States generally had an upper 97.5% probability limit of about 1% or less. Based on these estimates about 6 to 10% of flocks in New South Wales and 2.4 to 4.4% of flocks Australia-wide are likely to be infected. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that OJD has a highly clustered distribution in Australia, and provides estimates of the prevalence of infected flocks by State or region. Based on this analysis there were probably between 2000 and 3700 infected flocks in Australia at 31 December 2000, with more than 80% of these in a relatively small geographic area of central and southern New South Wales. Some States, such as Queensland and Western Australia, may have a prevalence equal or close to 0%, however the technique used was unable to demonstrate the absence of infection in these States with the intensity of surveillance undertaken to date.     

Temporal relationship between infestation with lice (Bovicola ovis Schrank) and the development of pruritic behaviour and fleece derangement in sheep

Pruritic behaviour and deranged fleece are often used as indicators of sheep louse infestation but the exact relationship between infestation and the observation of signs of pruritis was unclear. Two studies were conducted to examine this association. In the first, 24 castrate Merino sheep were randomly assigned to six pens in groups of four and the sheep in three pens infested with 10 lice each on the right mid-side. Louse numbers were counted, fleece derangement scored and pruritic behaviour assessed periodically on each sheep until 38 weeks after infestation. In the second study a single moderately infested sheep was paddocked for 15 weeks with 32 uninfested sheep and louse numbers and fleece derangement monitored for 41 weeks. In the pen studies, differences between infested and non-infested sheep in fleece derangement and pruritic behaviour first became significant (p<0.05) at 8 and 14 weeks, respectively and at louse densities of 0.06 and 0.27 per 10 cm wool part. Some sheep showed definite signs of deranged fleece as early as 5 weeks after initial infestation. In the paddock studies, it took 37 weeks until lice were detected on all sheep in the flock. The correlation between louse numbers and fleece derangement score first became significant (r=0.44 and p<0.05) at 9 weeks after introduction of the lousy sheep, reached a maximum of r=0.79 (p<0.001) at 22 weeks when 84% of sheep had lice detected and the mean louse density was 0.29 per part, and then declined to r=0.12 (n.s.) at 41 weeks when all sheep were infested and the mean louse density was 3.04 per part. It is concluded that fleece derangement is a powerful early indicator of the presence of lice and that sheep may exhibit signs of pruritis well before lice can be readily found by direct inspection. Fleece derangement may be useful as a basis for establishing economic thresholds for the application of long wool treatments in developing louse infestations but appears to be a poor indicator of louse numbers once the infestation is advanced.     

An evaluation of two cypermethrin-based pour-on formulations on sheep infested with the biting louse, Bovicola ovis

Two synthetic pyrethroid (cypermethrin) based pour-on insecticide formulations, with high cis/trans isomer ratios (80:20) but differing in their respective active ingredient concentrations and solvent component(s), were applied to sheep infested with the biting-louse, Bovicola ovis. All treated sheep were penned with louse-infested sheep 9,12 and 15 weeks after the insecticide was applied. The 2% cypermethrin formulation achieved a higher level of control than the 1.25% cypermethrin formulation at each challenge interval when applied 12 weeks after shearing. The 2% cypermethrin formulation provided 97-100% control of lice from 4 to 16 weeks after application on sheep shorn 6 or 12 weeks prior to treatment. The 1.25% cypermethrin formulation provided 85% control of lice 4 weeks after application on sheep shorn 12 weeks prior to treatment, the level of control increasing to a maximum of 100% by week 9, and declining thereafter. The 2% cypermethrin formulation may provide a better level of control in long-woolled sheep than 1.25% cypermethrin, by compensating for the diluent effect of lipid.     

An evaluation of two cypermethrin-based pour-on formulations on sheep infested with the biting louse,Bovicola ovis

Two synthetic pyrethroid (cypermethrin) based “pour-on” insecticide formulations, with high cis/trans isomer ratios (80:20) but differing in their respective active ingredient concentrations and solvent component(s), were applied to sheep infested with the biting-louse, Bovicola ovis. All treated sheep were penned with louse-infested sheep 9, 12 and 15 weeks after the insecticide was applied. The 2% cypermethrin formulation achieved a higher level of control than the 1.25% cypermethrin formulation at each challenge interval when applied 12 weeks after shearing. The 2% cypermethrin formulation provided 97-100% control of lice from 4 to 16 weeks after application on sheep shorn 6 or 12 weeks prior to treatment. The 1.25% cypermethrin formulation provided 85% control of lice 4 weeks after application on sheep shorn 12 weeks prior to treatment, the level of control increasing to a maximum of 100% by week 9, and declining thereafter. The 2% cypermethrin formulation may provide a better level of control in long-woolled sheep than 1.25% cypermethrin, by compensating for the diluent effect of lipid.     

The prevalence of lice on sheep and control practices in South Australia

OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of infestations of lice in sheep flocks and to survey control practices for lice in South Australia DESIGN: A total of 201 managers of sheep flocks, 75 chosen randomly from the high rainfall zone (HR), 76 from the cereal sheep zone (CS) and 50 from the pastoral zone (PA), were surveyed by telephone interview. PROCEDURE: Interviews were conducted between May 19 and May 25, 1999, according to a set questionnaire. Information was collected on presence of lice at last shearing, control practices for lice, factors important for gaining good effect from chemical treatments, sources of information on control practices and property details. Survey results were analysed by agricultural region. RESULTS: The apparent state prevalence of flocks infested with lice was 21%, with 13% infested in the HR, 21% in the CS and 25% in the PA. Ninety one percent of managers claimed to take precautions to prevent the introduction of lice and 91% routinely checked their flocks for lice. Seventy eight percent treated their sheep for lice annually and 85% had treated within the last 12 months. Of those treating in the last year, 69% had used a backline application, 16% had used a shower dip and 17% had used plunge dipping. Only 4% of producers used a long wool treatment. Synthetic pyrethroid (SP) based products were used by 50% of producers who used backline treatments in the preceding 12 months, compared to 42% and 8% for insect growth regulator and organophosphorous (OP) based products, respectively. Only 34% of managers identified SP-based products as having potential resistance problems. Of those producers who used shower or plunge dips in the last 12 months, 75% used an OP based product. Rural newspapers and magazines were by far the most commonly noted source of information for the control of lice on sheep.