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Published on: October 6, 2018
Pediculosis in two research ponies (Equus caballus)
Melanie S Sorrell1, Richard E Fish, Karen H Taylor
1Laboratory Animal Resources, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA.
Summary
Two ponies developed louse infestations, Bovicola (Werneckiella) equi, after moving indoors. Prompt treatment with wound care and permethrin/pyriproxyfen spray resolved the equine pediculosis.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Animal Science
- Parasitology
Background:
- Horses and ponies are underutilized as animal models in biomedical research.
- Equine-specific diseases and broader biomedical applications can benefit from equine research models.
Observation:
- Two cases of pediculosis (louse infestation) were observed in random-source ponies.
- Clinical signs, including pruritus and excoriating neck lesions, appeared after the ponies were moved from pasture to indoor housing.
- Infestation with Bovicola (Werneckiella) equi was diagnosed in both affected ponies.
Findings:
- The ponies presented with itching and skin lesions consistent with louse infestation.
- Successful treatment involved standard wound care combined with a topical spray containing 2.0% permethrin and 0.05% pyriproxyfen.
- The timing of infestation onset coincided with a change in housing environment.
Implications:
- Recognizing the potential for louse infestation is crucial, even in seemingly healthy animals.
- Awareness of early behavioral signs, such as rubbing and agitation, aids in prompt diagnosis and treatment of equine pediculosis.
- These findings underscore the importance of monitoring animal health during environmental transitions in research settings.
