ERADICATION OF LICE ON PIGEONS. 



COMPLETE ERADICATION IN ONE TREATMENT POSSIBLE. 



Although there are but few injurious insects in the case of which 

 we may expect to obtain 100 per cent control, it is now a well estab- 

 lished fact that the Mallophaga, or bird lice, fall in this class. The 

 factors necessary for this accomplishment are right methods, thor- 

 oughness of application, and complete control of the host after treat- 

 ment. In a previous publication 1 it was stated that sodium fluorid 

 'lusted on pigeons had been found effective in the control of lice. 

 Since then a method has been perfected by the writer, under the 

 supervision of Mr. F. C. Bishopp, whereby the lice on a flock of 

 pigeons may be eradicated with one treatment. Pigeons, like 

 chickens, are often kept under the complete control of man, and in 

 such cases it seems foolish to fight perpetually a pest that can be 

 completely eradicated. 



No one doubts that all animals thrive better when free from 

 parasites than when infested, although figures showing the actual 

 damage are not obtainable in most cases. Pigeon lice, like chicken 

 lice, may be in a flock and not be noticed by the owner until some 

 birds are found in poor condition, and then, in a search for the 

 cause, it often happens that a large number of lice may be found. 

 Owners of pigeons claim that squabs do not take on weight satis- 

 factorily when the adult pigeons have many lice. A lousy flock 

 spends a good deal of time picking at the feathers. When there are 

 no lice, only the natural preening of the feathers is noticed. 



METHOD FOR COMPLETE ERADICATION. 



Eradication of lice on pigeons by one treatment is possible, and 

 this may be accomplished, first, by a thorough treatment with sodium 

 fluorid by dipping, and, second, by the complete control of the pigeons 

 after treatment. 



When eradication of lice from a flock is to be attempted the follow- 

 ing method is suggested. Choose a bright hot day in the middle of 



: V. S. Dept. Agr., Farmers' Bui. 801. Mites and Lice on Poultry, by F. C. Bishopp 

 and II. 1\ Wood. 



89339°— 22 1 



