COMMON AILMENTS OF CATTLE 335 



Lice. During the winter season especially, cattle are 

 often affected with lice. Calves and young cattle are most 

 often affected, but older cattle are not exempt, and when in an 

 unthrifty condition may suffer badly from this pest. There 

 are three kinds of lice that affect cattle. The species gen- 

 erally known as the blue louse, which sucks the blood, is the 

 most common and most injurious. This species is found most 

 numerous upon the neck and shoulders. The eggs are at- 

 tached to the hair, and are known as nits. The red louse, 

 which is less common, may be found on any part of the body, 

 but most numerous on the neck and at the root of the tail. 



The presence of lice may be suspected from the rubbing of 

 the neck and shoulders on trees, posts, etc., and when badly 

 infected the hair usually begins to come out in spots. Several 

 substances may be used to kill the lice. The several coal tar 

 dips and compounds on the market may be employed with 

 success. The most satisfactory treatment will be found to be 

 the use of kerosene emulsion. To make this dissolve one half 

 pound of hard soap in one gallon of boiling soft water. As 

 soon as the soap is dissolved, add two gallons of kerosene, mix 

 by pumping with a spray pump or by other means until a 

 thick creamy emulsion is formed from which the oil does not 

 readily separate. Before use add this mixture to 19 gallons 

 of water. The emulsion may be applied with a spray pump, 

 or with a brush, wetting the entire animal thoroughly. 



Pink Eye. This is a contagious inflammation of the eyes, 

 common in many herds. It usually occurs during the latter 

 part of the summer. It is known by a discharge from the eyes, 

 accompanied by an intense inflammation of the mucous mem- 

 brane. The eyelids swell, and the eye becomes opaque. 

 The eyes are kept shut, and the animal is often blind for several 



