How to prevent and control pig lice disease? Detailed explanation of prevention and control techniques

Pig lice disease is an external parasitic disease caused by the pig louse (Haematopinus suis) parasitizing the body surface within the hair coat. Although it cannot cause the death of pigs, it has a considerable impact on the growth and development of pigs, especially a serious impact on piglets.

The pig louse has a short development cycle and spreads rapidly. After male and female lice mate, the female louse sucks enough blood and then lays eggs, laying 3~4 eggs per day. The eggs adhere to the pig's hair coat and hatch into nymphs after 12~15 days. The nymphs become adult lice after 10~14 days, with a development cycle of 23~32 days. Infection with this disease is most likely when pig house hygiene is poor, sites are narrow, animals are densely crowded, and management is poor. Through suckling, lice on sows can be transmitted to piglets, and an outbreak in fattening pigs in the same pen can quickly spread to the whole herd. Clinically, sick pigs often rub against walls and fences to relieve itching, resulting in skin bleeding, restlessness, reduced appetite, malnutrition, emaciation, and slow growth. In particular, the growth and development of piglets are stunted, affecting production efficiency.

Prevention and control: Spray the pig's body or use medicated bathing with a 0.1% trichlorfon aqueous solution, 300×10-6 lindane solution, etc. Pig body surfaces should be checked frequently, especially for pigs purchased from other places, which must be carefully examined. Once pig lice are found, capture them immediately or use drugs to kill them. Maintain good environmental hygiene in pig houses, disinfect regularly, and stocking density should not be too high.