s we move from fall into ear
ly winter, producers should begin
monitoring their cattle for signs of
cattle lice. Cattle exhibiting hair
loss, an unthrifty appearance, rub
bing on fences or other objects, and
the presence of hair on fences may
be infested with lice.
Cattle lice thrive in cold condi
tions, with populations increasing
in December and January, peaking
in February. Lice are spread pri
marily through direct contact be
tween animals. However, other con
ditions - such as natural shedding,
poor nutrition, mite infestations,
mineral deficiencies, photosensi
tivity, and disease - can mimic lice
infestations.
To confirm whether lice are the
problem, restrain the suspect an
imal(s) in a chute and perform a
two-handed hair parting along the
topline, withers, and face.
· 1–5 lice per square inch: low
population (continue to monitor)
· 6–10 lice per square inch: mod
erate population (treatment is likely
needed soon)
· More than 10 lice per square
inch: heavy population (control
treatment required)
PREPARE FOR CATTLE LICE
University research you can use.
Dave Boxler, Nebraska Extension Educator
University of NE - Lincoln, UNL Beef
beef.unl.edu
Extension Education
SPECIES OF CATTLE LICE
Cattle may host four different lice
species, one biting (chewing) louse
and three sucking lice species.
Biting or Chewing Louse –
Bovicola (Damalinia) bovis
Commonly called the “little red
louse,” this species feeds on hair,
skin exudates, and surface debris.
It is usually found on the shoul
ders, topline, and back, but as pop
ulations increase, they spread to
the sides and sometimes the entire
animal. Populations can increase
rapidly since females can reproduce
asexually, without requiring males.
Sucking Lice -
These species feed on blood and
can cause irritation, anemia, weight
loss, and even death in severe cases.
· Short-nose cattle louse –
Haematopinus eurysternus
The largest cattle louse (3–5 mm).
Found mainly on older animals in
the neck region, dewlap, back, and
base of the tail.
· Long-nose cattle louse –
Linognathus vituli
About 2.5 mm long, this species
is commonly found on the dewlap,
shoulders, neck, and rump, spread
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January 2026 | THE STOCKMAN AG-EXTRA