Pediculosis in two research ponies (Equus caballus).
Horses and ponies are used infrequently in research but may be valuable animal models for studying both equine-specific diseases and biomedical applications. We report here 2 cases of pediculosis in random-source ponies. Infestation and clinical signs were not present during a 4-wk quarantine period or for 3 to 9 mo thereafter but became apparent coincident with the ponies' movement from pasture to indoor housing. These 2 geldings presented with pruritus associated with excoriating lesions on the neck, and infestation with Bovicola (Werneckiella) equi Denny, 1842 was diagnosed. Ponies were treated successfully with standard wound care and a spray containing 2.0% permethrin and 0.05% pyriproxyfen. These cases highlight the importance of recognizing the possibility of louse infestation, even in healthy, well-cared-for animals, and the need for personnel to be aware of early behavioral signs of infestation, such as rubbing and agitation.
Sorrell
Melanie S
MS
Laboratory Animal Resources, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA.
Fish
Richard E
RE
Taylor
Karen H
KH
D000818:Animals; D006734:Horse Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000469:parasitology / Q000473:pathology; D006736:Horses; D058326:Ischnocera; D010373:Lice Infestations / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D008297:Male; D011790:Quarantine
Parasitol Res. 2005 Aug;97(1):7-12
15940520
Parasitol Res. 2004 Nov;94(5):367-70
15549385
J Virol. 2004 Sep;78(17):9295-305
15308724
Can Vet J. 1999 Aug;40(8):590-1
12001343
Parasitol Res. 2005 Aug;96(6):398-401
15940519
Acta Vet Hung. 1995;43(2-3):287-9
7491867
Vet Rec. 2005 Oct 1;157(14):419-20
16199779
Vet Parasitol. 2007 Sep 30;148(3-4):295-300
17689014