Well thats LOUSY!

homesteadhelperspa
Aug 21, 2025
6 min read

Originally written : 6 April 2025

Lice on Goats: What You Need to Know to Keep Your Herd Happy and Healthy

Goats are tough, smart, and full of personality—but even the most well-cared-for herd isn’t immune to the occasional parasite problem. One common issue that pops up, especially in winter and early spring, is lice. These tiny pests can cause big problems if left unchecked, but the good news is: once you know what to look for, they’re manageable.

We know lots of goat folks! We also know a LOT of folks battle lice on their farms. This topic is something the goat clients and I discuss pretty often.. lots of repeat questions..."How the heck does a closed herd get lice?! Where do they come from? ... Can people or my dog or kids get lice from the goats?!". So let's explore!

I captured some lice from a infected local herd and raced to my microscope to take a closer look! I just knew that you all would enjoy being my students.. have a seat class!

Identifying Lice on Goats

First things first—how do you even know your goats have lice?

The most common signs include:

Excessive scratching or rubbing against fences, posts, or anything they can lean on.
Hair loss, especially around the neck, shoulders, flanks, and back.
Dull or patchy coat.
Scabs or sores from self-inflicted scratching.
In heavy infestations, goats may appear restless, lose weight, or show signs of anemia.

What Lice Do to a Goat

Lice aren’t just annoying; they can cause real harm over time. Constant scratching leads to:

Skin damage and infections
Stress, which weakens the immune system
Weight loss from discomfort and reduced feed intake
Anemia, especially in kids and smaller goats, which can become dangerous

What about my kids, dogs and cats? These lice are species specific... so don't worry they don't like humans and much prefer goats!

Types of Lice

There are two main types of lice that affect goats:

Biting/Chewing Lice (Mallophaga)

These feed on skin debris and hair. They move quickly and are often found along the neck, shoulders, and back.
Sucking Lice (Anoplura)

These feed on the goat's blood and are more dangerous due to the risk of anemia. They're slower-moving and tend to stick close to the skin.

Where Do Lice Come From?

Lice are usually transmitted through direct contact with other infested animals, but they can also be spread via shared bedding, or close quarters—especially during colder months when goats are housed closer together.

Once they’re on one goat, they can easily spread through the herd if not addressed quickly. I have read many sources that have pointed to lice hanging onto birds that may peck around in stalls of infected herds... and flies that land on goats backs can be vehicles too! Crazy right? This explains some ways that closed herds can be infected seemingly out of no where!

I client recently talked about a bird that was using their goats fur to line their nest... now, imagine the coverage of a single bird traveling to various farms looking for nesting materials... how easily this pesty annoyance can happen on a farm that has no new animals entering from other infected areas.

Ok, back on track...

If you part the hair and look closely (a magnifying glass helps!), you may actually see lice or their eggs (nits) attached to the hair shaft. They're tiny, but visible. Both types cause irritation, but sucking lice pose a bigger health threat and often need more aggressive treatment.

Speaking of parts... what is our part in battle of lice?

Many times during a hoof care visit there are signs that a goat has lice. We know these signs from 20 years of raising livestock and being in the animal wellness field. When their are suspicions of lice... we take a few seconds to do a quick scan. Many times our clients are unaware of their goats having tiny passengers riding around and munching on their goats skin and causing symptoms like the ones listed above! One way we help you build a better herd and flock is through awareness and knowledge!

So... knowing that lice are highly transmittable from animal to animal we are ready with precautions that ensure we are NOT a mode of transportation! Here is where some of that "Bio Security" that we are always talking about comes in!

Lice & Nits Prevention: Our Protocol

Effectively Disinfect Equipment and Tools Between Farms

Wearing clean uniforms & boots between visits.
Use a disposable lint roller to pick up and hitch hikers before entering our vehicle.
Use of disposable gloves, masks, anything that could be a vehicle is disposed of before the next visit.
All equipment is disinfected between visits with pharmaceutical and veterinary grade cleaners.
If heavy infestation is known we thoroughly clean our vehicle ( local car wash vacuum) as a secondary precaution.
All uniforms are laundered using a veterinary and pharmaceutical approved detergent.
Caddies, portable lighting and leashes are all either swapped out for back ups or cleaned before leaving the visit

We Schedule High-Risk Visits Last!

If possible, farms with known infestations are scheduled at the end of our route to avoid spreading pests and disease.

Treatment Options

There are chemical and natural options for treating lice in goats. Which you choose may depend on the severity of the infestation, your farming philosophy, and what’s available in your area.

Chemical Treatments

Topical Insecticides like Permethrin, Cypermethrin, or Pyrethrin (often in sprays or pour-ons).
Injectables like Ivermectin or Dectomax can help control sucking lice, but are not effective for biting lice.
Dusts or powders—though less common now, these can still be useful in some cases.

💡 Important: Always follow dosage directions and observe withdrawal periods for milk and meat goats.

Natural & Holistic Approaches

If you prefer a gentler route, there are options, especially for mild cases or as part of regular preventative care:

Neem oil diluted in water and sprayed onto the coat.
Diatomaceous earth (DE)—food-grade only!—can be dusted into the coat and bedding. * A note about DE: DO NOT apply anywhere near the face or let yourself or animal inhale this dust.
Essential oils like tea tree, lavender, or eucalyptus (well diluted!) may help repel lice. * PLEASE do your research or consult a natural goat herd mentor before attempting anything with oils. They can be VERY harmful is not applied correctly!
Apple cider vinegar added to feed or sprayed on the coat is often used as a natural tonic and pest repellent.
Regular brushing and grooming helps detect lice early and can physically disrupt their life cycle.

⚠️ Natural options often require consistent application and may not be sufficient for severe infestations.

**** DISCLAIMER: I AM NOT A Veterinarian NOT do I make any claims to any of these suggestions. These suggestions are merely that... please do further research or consult a knowledgeable small ruminant mentor before attempting any of these options. If your animal needs medical attention please seek a veterinarian immediately.

Don’t Forget the Environment

No matter what treatment you choose, cleaning the environment is key. That means:

Removing and replacing bedding frequently
Disinfecting tools, shelters, and feeding areas
Quarantining new animals before introducing them to the herd

Prevention Tips

Keep coats clean and well-brushed
Don’t overcrowd your shelters
Quarantine new arrivals for 4-6 weeks or longer to look for symptoms.
Watch closely during winter, when lice thrive and goats are in closer quarters

Bottom Line:Lice are a nuisance, but not the end of the world. With a keen eye and a good plan—chemical, natural, or both—you can help your goats stay comfortable, healthy, and itch-free.

Homestead Helpers - Holistic Hoof Care proudly offers "More than just a trim". We deeply care about Bio Security and your farm, we want to educate you and empower you and we want to make it all a positive and FUN time!

Helping you Build A Better Herd & Flock through education and support is what we love to do, and why our clients choose us! If your ready to take the next step in a healthier livestock schedule your appointment today!