Cross-sectional study of cattle lice infestation in the region of Nabeul in north-east Tunisia

M Gharbi; H Ben Abdallah; Y Mbarek; M Jedidi; M A Darghouth

doi:10.20506/rst.32.2.2208

Cross-sectional study of cattle lice infestation in the region of Nabeul in north-east Tunisia

Rev Sci Tech. 2013 Dec;32(3):879-83. doi: 10.20506/rst.32.2.2208.

Authors

M Gharbi¹, H Ben Abdallah¹, Y Mbarek², M Jedidi¹, M A Darghouth¹

Affiliations

¹ Laboratoire de Parasitologie, Université de La Manouba, École Nationale de Médecine Vétérinaire, 2020 Sidi Thabet, Tunisia
² Private veterinarian, 8045 El Haouaria, Tunisia

PMID: 24761739
DOI: 10.20506/rst.32.2.2208

Abstract

This cross-sectional study is the first to estimate the prevalence of cattle pediculosis in Tunisia. A total of 39 cattle farms in the region of Nabeul in north-east Tunisia were visited and lice were collected by intensively brushing 789 cattle. The prevalence was estimated to be 20.5% on the farms (8/39) and 4.7% in animals (37/789). Collected parasites were examined under a stereomicroscope and three lice species were identified: Bovicola bovis, Linognathus vituli and Haematopinus eurysternus. Thirty-two animals were infested with the chewing lice B. bovis (4%), three with H. eurysternus (0.4%) and two with L. vituli (0.2%). The infestation prevalence was higher in calves under eight months of age (21.6%)than in adults (0.8%). Decision-makers in animal health should consider this parasitic disease in their control and eradication programmes.

Keywords: Cattle; Parasite; Pediculosis; Tunisia.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Animals
Cattle
Cattle Diseases / epidemiology
Cattle Diseases / parasitology*
Cross-Sectional Studies
Female
Lice Infestations / epidemiology
Lice Infestations / veterinary*
Male
Tunisia / epidemiology