Poultry lice

Definition

Ectoparasitic insects that infest birds, primarily feeding on feathers, skin, and debris, but not on blood.

Etymology

From the Latin 'pullus' (meaning 'young bird') and 'licium' (meaning 'lace' or 'thread', loosely associated with lice).

Example

Poultry lice are a common pest in chicken farms.

Related Terms

• Birds
• Parasitism
• Pest control

Usage Notes

Poultry lice can cause skin irritation and feather loss in birds. They are often spread through contact between birds.