Pediculosis by Haematopinus tuberculatus in water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis)

The objective was to identify the species, prevalence, clinical manifestations and two treatments to control an outbreak of lice in water buffalo in the tropics of Mexico. A prospective descriptive observational study was carried out, with weekly visits for two months to a buffalo farm. A total of 300 female buffaloes were inspected to determine the prevalence and species of louse. The level of infestation by adult lice and skin lesions (n = 40) were determined, and two treatments were applied in two groups (n = 10), cypermethrin (15%) + dichlorvos (30%) was applied by spray and ivermectin 1% subcutaneous route (0.2 mg/kg(1) of bw). The prevalence of the infestation was 100%, the louse was identified as Haematopinus tuberculatus. Adult lice infestations were low in 60% of buffaloes and 95% in calves. The efficacy of the insecticides was 80% in buffaloes and 100% in calves.