Both lice and ringworm are typically a greater problem in young cattle in either poor nutrition or with a compromised immune system. Neither are a significant problem to cattle in good health.
Lice are small sucking or biting insects found mostly around the head, neck and shoulder area, and along the back to the tail.
The irritation they cause leads to a rough scruffy appearance and areas of skin rubbed raw, particularly around the neck and shoulder. The main effect of lice is skin damage as well as reduced grazing.
Cattle are infested through animal-to-animal contact with other cattle from which the population of lice can build up rapidly. Cattle lice do not infest other animals.
Denser winter coats along with cooler weather favour lice survival.
Without treatment the problem will remain until spring, when increasing temperatures and day lengths along with improved nutrition naturally reduce lice numbers.
Ringworm is a transmissible infectious skin disease caused by a spore-forming fungi.
It too is spread by direct contact and can spread rapidly through a group of cattle, particularly in poorly growing young animals with underlying poor health or nutrition.
It causes grey-white areas of slightly raised skin with an ash-like surface. It can become extensive, being seen predominantly around the eyes, ears and along the back of calves, also the chest and legs of adult cattle.
It causes little permanent damage or economic loss; however, it can be transmitted to humans.
Ringworm usually clears up within one to two months without any treatment, particularly when conditions improve.
For further information, contact your local veterinarian or Agriculture Victoria animal health or extension staff, or in NSW your Local Land Services.
Dr Jeff Cave is an Agriculture Victoria senior veterinary officer.
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