Lice, Mites, & Mange

 

Photos by Marilyn

 

There are two kinds of this tiny wingless insect that attack the llama - the sucking louse which feeds entirely on blood and can cause anemia and the biting louse which nibble on hair and debris on the llama's skin surface. Lice can be spread among the animals by direct contact or by close housing quarters. Signs of lice include rubbing the affected areas, dandruff, and fiber loss in large patches. Watch for lice especially during the winter months when the llamas are usually in close quarters. The biting louse are white or light tan and can be found moving near the skin surface when disrupted. Examine the skin at the base of the neck or tail and inside the back thighs. Treatment may be a topical dust or a pour on medication. Treatment for the sucking lice is injectible Ivomec SQ, or fenthion pour on (Tiguvon) applied topically at the shoulder blades. Treatment for the biting lice is 50% Methovychlor (Marlate at WalMart) or 50% Rose Dust, (Captains at WalMart) applied topically. Ivomec is not effective for the biting lice.(Source - Dr. Norman Evans, DVM)

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Mites & 
Mange

Mange- Mange is a contagious skin disease caused by one of a variety of mites that live on the animal. It is transmitted by direct contact with diseased animals or indirectly by contaminated quarters or even dust baths. The mite's entire life cycle is on the animal and two to three weeks may be required to complete the life cycle. The Sarcoptic mange is caused specifically by Sarcoptes scabeii. The mite burrows into the outer layer of skin in areas without much hair such as the legs, ears, and belly. The area develops bald spots, flaking, crusts and the skin may become thickened and leather-like as the disease continues. The mites may cause intense itching. Your veterinarian can confirm the mites with a skin scraping. Treatment is Ivomec injected SQ, 1cc per 100 lbs. (Source - Dr. Norman Evans, DVM)

 

 

See Information about all Mites and Treatment here. 

 

 

 


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