The Louse, Haematomyzus elephantis Piaget, 1869, (Mallophaga : Haematomyzidae) Infection of Captive Asian Elephants and its Treatment

Abstract

A louse (Haematomyzus elephantis) infection was found on the epidermis of three Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) in captivity. Although each elephant showed heavy itching sensation with scratching their bodies on the wall or ground in the facility, no bruises or papules on their bodies were observed. The local treatment by dipping on the parasite using a synthetic pyrethroid liquid was not effective. Good expulsion was attained with the treatment with a carbaryl-based shampoo 5 to 7 times during more than two months. It is necessary to inspect for louse infections of imported elephants to zoos at the time of quarantine.