The prevalence of lice (Bovicola ovis) infested sheep flocks in Western Australia (1987-1993)
The proportion of wool bale brands with a positive test for sheep lice in baled wool decreased from 29.5% in 1987/88 to 23.2% in 1990/91 before increasing to 38.2% in 1992/93. Changes in the proportion of wool bale brands with a positive test for lice were highly correlated with changes in the Wool Market Price Indicator. The increase in the proportion of positive lice tests since 1990/91 was associated with an increase in failures to eradicate lice from flocks. These failures were partly a consequence of the reduced use of lousicidal treatments, the development of resistance to synthetic pyrethroid chemicals and an increase in the transmission of lice between flocks.
Morcombe
P W
PW
Department of Agriculture, South Perth, Western Australia.
Thomson
N D
ND
Buckman
P G
PG
D000818:Animals; D007306:Insecticides / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010373:Lice Infestations / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000662:veterinary*; D015995:Prevalence; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012756:Sheep; D012757:Sheep Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D014904:Western Australia / Q000453:epidemiology; D014935:Wool / Q000191:economics / Q000469:parasitology*
D007306:Insecticides