Control Lice and Mites

Inspect goats monthly by parting hair along the topline, behind ears, and around the base of the tail — these are preferred lice and mite sites. During winter when thick coats provide ideal habitat, increase inspection frequency to biweekly. Treat confirmed infestations with permethrin-based pour-ons or dusts approved for goats, applying a second treatment 10-14 days later to kill newly hatched nymphs. Treat every goat in the herd simultaneously.

Why It Works

Lice (biting and sucking species) and mites (Sarcoptes, Chorioptes) cause intense itching, hair loss, skin damage, anemia (from sucking lice), and reduced weight gain. Infestations spread through direct contact and shared bedding. A single untreated carrier reinfests the herd, which is why whole-herd treatment is essential. The 10-14 day retreatment targets the egg-to-nymph cycle that survives initial treatment.

Tips

• Sucking lice are bluish-gray and move slowly; biting lice are tan and move quickly — treatment products differ for each
• Ivermectin-based dewormers treat sucking lice and some mites but not biting lice
• Check withdrawal periods for meat and milk before treating lactating does or animals near slaughter