The life cycle of the biting louse is similar to the sucking lice but it reproduces more rapidly. The biting and chewing lice cause intensive irritation to the host animal. In order to relieve itch and irritation, animals scratch and rub on objects such as fences, posts etc. In the process of rubbing, fully engorged blood-sucking lice get crushed and the animals own blood is smeared on the hair coat. Dirt and debris and polluted hair give a greasy look to the infested animals.
Scratching also results in premature shedding of patches of winter coat.
Due to blood loss from blood feeding lice, unthrifty animals become anaemic and may be predisposed to respiratory diseases and death. Unthrifty and poor appearance of commercial or purebred cattle due to louse infestation may fetch less money in the livestock market place. Heavy louse infestation may result in lower milk production in lactating dairy cattle. During the calving season, the transfer of lice to suckling calves takes place. One or two day old calves have been seen with lice on their faces and head.