Dusting Powder VS Pour Ons for Lice

j_maki · #1 01/19/11, 05:17 PM

We have to treat our highlands for lice. I thought about using DE but they seem to have lice so bad I think I should use a chemical to be more effective.

I was wondering if any of you have any experience with "Dusting Powder" by Dominion Vet Lab for lice control with 5% carbaryl . I called them up to see how much powder one would need for 7 head and the women said she didn't know and that there was no one there that did. Kind of makes me not even want to buy thier product- who makes something and cann't even tell a guy how much to use. I am kind of wondering how effective it is --on the can it says you have to rub it in all over the body. Kind of hard to rub the cattle all over. I would hate to miss one little nit and have to start all over agian.

Another option would be one of the pour ons. I really hate the idea of the pour ons going into the blood stream but if that is what it will take that is what we will have to do.

I would love to hear some your experince with the different products out there. Anyone know what the organic producers use for lice other than de.

Thanks
Jeremy

tinknal · #2 01/19/11, 05:47 PM

Don't use pour on in the winter. If a grub has migrated near the spinal column the pour on will kill it, it will decompose, and it can paralyze the cow.

j_maki · #3 01/19/11, 06:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tinknal

Don't use pour on in the winter. If a grub has migrated near the spinal column the pour on will kill it, it will decompose, and it can paralyze the cow.

Thanks for the tip. I got to ask though what makes it different in winter then in summer cann't the same thing happen then? Or is something to do with the lifecylce of a specific invertebrate?

Have you used the dusting powder before?

Thanks

myersfarm · #4 01/19/11, 07:02 PM

call your vet see if grubs are in your area..if not use the pour on....if they are use what he recomends

Skip · #5 01/19/11, 08:20 PM

Maki I just finished using a pour on, ivermectin. I haven't been by to read as the weather has been most cold and other life things. I was about to comment how easy the pour on was and how quickly it work, then to my horror I read about the risk; though, it wasn't written anywhere on the packaging or in the leaflet with all the small fine information. I'm wondering if the issue is not one for my area?

PS are you a fellow finn?

randiliana · #6 01/19/11, 08:30 PM

From what I have been told, at least in our area, grubs are practically not a problem anymore. This is due to the use of these pour ons. Ask your vet if it is something to be concerned about.

tinknal · #7 01/19/11, 08:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by j_maki

Thanks for the tip. I got to ask though what makes it different in winter then in summer cann't the same thing happen then? Or is something to do with the lifecylce of a specific invertebrate?

Have you used the dusting powder before?

Thanks

Yes, it is a seasonal thing to do with the lice cycle of the particular varmint. I'm not sure if this is a concern in all areas, but I know it is in northern climates.

I would talk to a local vet.

ufo_chris · #8 01/19/11, 10:15 PM

I also have Highlands and have used the powder (not sure what brand) I bought the shaker type container(probably 1-2 lb.) which probably did 3 or 4 treatments. It worked really good, I put it mainly on the necks and backs and rubbed it in a little. A couple of treatments took care of it.
Chris

j_maki · #9 01/21/11, 09:48 AM

From what I have been reading it sounds as if lice are just part of raising cattle. Everything that I read seems to suggest even after treating the animals you will still have lice the next season. Am I wrong to come to this conclusion? Have any of you eradicated lice totally from your herds without retreating them on a annual basis? If lice are a ongoing problem I really see no reason to not use DE instead of all these poisonous chemicals.

UFO- Do your cattle still have some lice?

Skip-50/50 finn and ------

Thanks for the help

Skip · #10 01/21/11, 11:25 PM

Where would one find this DE in a remote Ontario community? Would a feed store or chain store order it in?

j_maki · #11 01/22/11, 09:54 AM

Skip-We get DE from Feedrite here. I am sure your feed stores would have it or could get it. My wife just pick up some 50lb bags for $28.

Were in Ont are you from?

Jeremy

ufo_chris · #12 01/24/11, 03:43 PM

UFO- Do your cattle still have some lice?

They seemed ok after I treated,next year I didn't have to treat,never saw any more,but I would think most likely you'd have to treat every winter. I just got lucky I think.
I don't like chemicals either but it's better then them suffering.
PLMK if the DE works.Good luck,
Chris

RosewoodfarmVA · #13 01/26/11, 12:21 PM

I use Ivermectin pouron. This time of year I keep a close eye out for signs of hair loss and lice, and treat accordingly. One treatment clears it up, and usually unless I allow it to spread throughout the herd, I only have to treat a couple cows each winter, but left unattended the lice will travel and eventually affect the whole herd.

I have heard of DE being used on goats, not sure how well it would work on a cow, getting it spread thoroughly will be hard, and it's probably better as a preventive measure than trying to use it to treat a bad case of lice...

j_maki · #14 01/26/11, 07:12 PM

We put the DE on them last weekend. I will post my results.

Jeremy

Skip · #15 01/26/11, 09:03 PM

Jeremy, yes please post the results. I learn so much from posts. I am an 90 minutes from Sudbury. Read in the weather channel that Manitoba may be heading toward a flood season this spring. Hope your family and cow herd stay safe. Next time I head to the local feed store will inquire about ordering the DE for the summer.