Insecticidal Control of the Chicken Body Louse on Range Turkeys1

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Abstract
Malathion, lindane and DDT were field-tested on turkey flocks for the control of the chicken body louse, Menacanthus stramineus (Nitz.), following preliminary laboratory screening tests. Applications were made by a rapid technique which involved the use of a row-crop spray boom placed on the ground with the nozzles directed upward and slightly forward. The turkeys were driven through the spray curtain. An average flock of approximately 2,600 turkeys can be treated in an hour. Malathion applied at 1% concentration and 60 pounds pressure gave 100% kill of lice within 24 hours. Flocks remained louse-free as long as S weeks, or until marketed and processed. A 0.5% concentration of malathion when applied at 40 pounds pressure was only partially effective Lindane gave 100% kill of M. stramineus within 24 hours when applied at a 1% concentration and 60 pounds pressure. By the 14th post-treatment day the population of lice had become re-established. DDT applied at S% concentration and 60 pounds pressure reduced the population but did not give complete control.