Lice

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What causes lice?

Lice are small wingless insects that are spread by direct contact between animals.

There are two kinds of lice: biting lice and sucking lice.

Slide mount of a biting louse.

Where do lice occur?

There are many types of lice that occur on many different animals.

Lice are very host-specific and don’t move from one type of animal to another.

In the NWT and Nunavut, lice have been found on caribou, wolves, dogs, and fur-bearers.

What are the signs of lice?

Lice are small (1-5 mm), flat, wingless insects with bodies divided into three distinct sections.

Lice attach their very small eggs to the hairs of their host.

Biting lice cause mild hair matting or loss.

Sucking lice pierce the skin and suck blood.

Large numbers of lice may cause weakness from blood loss (and possibly death in young or sick animals).

Sucking lice can also cause allergic reactions.

How can I protect myself?

You cannot get lice from infected animals.

Lice may reduce the value of the animal pelt.

It is unknown if infection can spread between wolves and domestic dogs.

Can I eat the meat?

Meat from affected animals is suitable for human consumption.

Samples to collect

Whole lice.