Lice in Sheep and Goats

Sheep may become infested with one species of chewing louse, Damalinia ovis (formerly Bovicola ovis), and three species of bloodsucking lice: Linognathus pedalis, L ovillus, and L africanus (see Table: Site Predilection of Sheep Lice). Outside the USA, D ovis is also referred to as the sheep body louse. Despite its name, L africanus is found outside Africa, including in the USA, Central America, and India. L africanus has also been reported from a variety of hosts, including goats and several species of deer.

Goats can be parasitized by three types of chewing lice, namely Damalinia caprae (formerly Bovicola caprae), D limbata (formerly B limbata), and D crassipes (formerly Holokartikos crassipes); and two types of bloodsucking lice, namely Linognathus stenopsis and L africanus. L stenopsis is found on both short-haired and Angora breeds of goats. L stenopsis has occasionally been reported from sheep in various parts of the world. It is found mostly on the long-haired parts of the hindlegs and back. Severe infestations are rare. D caprae, the goat biting louse, is most frequently found on short-haired goats. Both D crassipes and D limbata (the Angora goat biting louse) are serious pests of Angora breeds.