Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1889-11-21
Remedies for Cattle Lice.

Kerosene and lard, kerosene emul.
sion, potato water, and pyrethum
were experimental with upon infested
animals the past winter with the fol-
lowing results:
Kerosene and Lard Three pints of
lard were melted in dish, and then
one part of kerosene was added, and
the mixture thoroughly stirred. With
a rag this was rubbed while warm. not
hot, thoroughly into the hair along
the back of an infested animal. An
examination the following day showed
that all of the lice were dead.
Kerosene Emulsion-An s per cent
emulsion was applied to ten 3-year-old
animals kept in barn. The applica-
ton was made by using a small force
pump with few feet of hose attached
and a nozzle. This method was found
very desirable, as the application could
be made more thoroughly, quickly and
easily in this than any other way. One
man worked the pump, while two 9TH
ers with their finger tips vigorously
''shampoOed" the animal as the liquid
was forced into the hair through the
nozzle. The time required to treat the
ten animals was fifty minutes, and the
amount of the emulsion required was
less than eight gallons. When cloths
were used it was found much more
difficult to thoroughly wet the hide. as
the hair would mat down and shed the
emulsion. The next day after making
the above application the animals
were examined, and it was found that
the lice were all dead. AS an 8 per
cent emulsion costs less than 2 cents
gallon, and as it takes so little to make
the application, it seems needless that
any one should allow their stock to be-
come seriously lousy.
Potato Water-A number of animals
were treated like the preceding with
potato water. Seven bushels of pota-
toes were covered with water in large
caldron, and boiled until thoroughly
cooked. The amount of water poured
off after the boiling was eight gallons.
This was used like the kerosene emul-
sion, except that it was applied to the
animals with cloths, the water being
too dirty to admit of the use of the
pump and nozzle. Examinations of
the cattle the first, second, and third
days after the application showed no
dead lice but plenty of living ones.
About two weeks after this | was told
by the men that cared for the stock
that the lice had nearly all disappear
ed from these animals, and on exam
animation | found such to be the case.
Captain r. P. Speer. who requested
that the above experiment should be
made, says he has repeatedly freed his
young stock of lice by two or three
applications of potato water made at
intervals of about one week. Those
who use this remedy do not claim that
it will destroy the eggs.
Pure pyrethrum was busted upon the
back and neck of two young animals
where the lice was very numerous.
The following day the hair was full of
dead lice, and no live ones could be
found about the treated parts.
OF other remedies that are often re-
commended, probably strong decoc-
ton of tobacco and mixture of sui
phur and lard are two of the best. A
solution of corrosive sublimate or a
mercurial ointment will kill the lice,
but these are dangerous to use. Car
bolic acid soap, sulphuret of potassium,
and ashes all have their advocates,
and probably are useful in destroying
vermin on domestic animals. but | can
not speak of them from experience in
this connection. - Professor Gillette,
IO9OG Experiment Station.