Lice infections occur at a higher rate in cage-free layer hens than their caged counterparts, suggests research from University of California-Riverside.
“Historically, chicken body lice have been mostly ignored as a poultry pest. This is probably because the lice feed on feathers and not blood, like poultry mites (or, so it was thought),” explained Amy Murillo, an entomologist at University of California, Riverside and author of the study published in the journal Parasites & Vectors.
“In our study, we were able to show that chickens infested with just a few lice (< 20 lice/bird) showed significant changes in their behavior compared to uninfested birds. We also observed skin lesions and bleeding caused by the lice; both of these outcomes were unexpected and suggest that lice are a more significant pest than was previously reported.”
In cage-free layer houses, hens have more contact with each other than in other housing environments, which may help to explain increased insect infestations.
“By understanding the potential risk, we can hopefully provide information to the industry to improve chicken production and well-being through prevention and management,” she added.
Fitbit for chickens
To detect the rate of lice infections in layer hens, Murillo and her team used what they dubbed a “Fitbit for chickens.” The sensor technology is worn on the birds’ backs and monitors activity and behavior.
Increased preening behavior by the cage-free hens indicated lice infection. The researchers also found that these layers were more likely to have lesions under their wings, which has warmer than average skin temperatures that attracts pests and is difficult for the birds to reach.
Lice can be difficult to treat in poultry. However, the researchers showed some success with food-grade diatomaceous earth. The powdery substance, made from the fossilized remains of aquatic organisms, disrupts the exoskeleton of the lice, they hypothesized.
Murillo hopes to investigate why cage-free layers experience higher rates of lice infections and measure the economic impact of these infections in future projects.
