Lice

Lice

Symptoms

- Itching and scratching.
- Loss of hair due to rubbing and scratching.
- Lice can be seen moving around on the skin.
- Eggs can be seen attached to the hair.

Cause Presence of lice due to poor hygiene.

Prevention

General sanitation is important to prevent lice infestation.

- Keep the pen and bedding clean.
- Bathe the animals regularly and keep them clean.
- Isolate the infested animal.
- Do not use the infested animal for breeding purposes.

Treatment

Use any of the following treatments:

- Annona squamosa. Annona reticulata. Annona muricata.

Pound or grind 2 kg of ripe, air-dried seeds of any of the three plants above. Soak the ground seeds in 5 liters of water for 24 hours. Pour the water through a coarse cloth (such as mosquito netting) to remove the solids. Mix 1 part of the liquid with 5 parts of water before use. Use a brush or coconut husk to rub the solution on the whole body of the infected pig once a day. Treat the animal until all the lice and eggs are removed. For future use, cover and store the undiluted liquid in a cool, dry place. It can be kept for up to 20 days. (India, Thailand. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5)

- Premna odorata Gliricidia septum.

Pound or grind 2-3 small bundles of fresh leaves of either plant (this is enough for an average-sized adult pig). Rub the ground leaves over the whole body of the animal. Apply 2-3 times a day until all the lice and eggs are removed. (Philippines, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5)

- In severe cases of lice infestation, shave the animal to remove all hair, lice and eggs.