According to a study by the University of California-Riverside, laying hens kept in cages are more likely to be infected with lice than their counterparts kept in cages.
“Historically, chicken body lice have been largely ignored as a poultry pest. This is probably because the lice feed on feathers and not blood, like poultry mites (or so it was thought),” explains Amy Murillo, an entomologist at the University of California, Riverside and author of the published study. in the Journal Parasites and vectors.
“In our study, we were able to show that chickens that were only infested with a few lice (
In cage-free laying hen houses, the chickens have more contact with each other than in other housing environments, which may explain the increased insect infestation.
“By understanding the potential risk, we can hopefully provide the industry with information to improve chicken production and welfare through prevention and management,” she added.
Fitbit for chickens
To determine lice infestation in laying hens, Murillo and her team used a device they called a “Fitbit for chickens.” The sensor technology is worn on the chickens’ backs and monitors activity and behavior.
Increased grooming behavior in the cage-free hens indicated lice infestation. The researchers also found that these laying hens had more frequent lesions under their wings, as the skin temperature there is higher than average, which attracts pests and is difficult for the birds to reach.
Lice on poultry can be difficult to treat. However, the researchers have shown some success with food-grade diatomaceous earth. The powdery substance, made from the fossilized remains of aquatic organisms, destroys the lice’s exoskeleton, they hypothesize.
In future projects, Murillo plans to investigate why lice are more common in free-range laying hens and measure the economic impact of these infections.
