title: Pediculosis in two research ponies (Equus caballus).
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Laboratory Animal Resources, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA.
authors.forename: Melanie S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Sorrell
authors.forename: Richard E
authors.initials: RE
authors.lastname: Fish
authors.forename: Karen H
authors.initials: KH
authors.lastname: Taylor
mesh_terms: 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
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