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Relationship between lice infestation and leather damage in cattle
G C Coles1, P J Hadley, A S Milnes
1Department of Clinical Veterinary Science, University of Bristol, Langford House, Bristol BS40 SDU.
The Veterinary Record
|September 17, 2003
Summary
Cattle lice infestations, particularly Bovicola bovis, cause significant hide damage like light spot and scratch marks. This damage persists even after parasite treatment, impacting leather quality.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Entomology
- Animal Science
- Dermatology
Background:
- Lice infestations are common in cattle, potentially affecting hide quality.
- Economic losses in the leather industry can result from hide damage caused by ectoparasites.
- Bovicola bovis is a prevalent chewing louse affecting cattle populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between lice infestation and leather damage in cattle.
- To confirm Bovicola bovis as a causative agent of winter light spot.
- To assess the reversibility of hide damage after ectoparasiticide treatment.
Main Methods:
- A trial involving 61 cattle, with half treated for lice control.
- Manual hide removal at an abattoir, followed by tanning and inspection for damage.
- Comparison of hides from lice-free and infested animals, including post-treatment assessment.
Main Results:
- Significant differences in hide damage (light spot and scratch damage) were observed between lousy and lice-free cattle.
- Bovicola bovis was confirmed as a cause of winter light spot.
- Hide damage was not fully reversed 13 weeks after ectoparasiticide treatment.
Conclusions:
- Lice infestation, specifically Bovicola bovis, causes significant leather damage in cattle.
- The economic impact on the leather industry due to lice-related hide damage is substantial.
- Early intervention and effective lice control are crucial for maintaining hide quality.