Ethno-Veterinary Practices for Control of Ectoparasites

• Bedding in Brooding Pen

One handful of lemon grass (Cymbopogon citrates) is put in the nest before the hen starts to lay eggs; it remains in the nest throughout the brooding period.

• Hanging medicinal plants in poultry sheds

A bouquet of Nirgundi/Sephali (Vitex negundo), Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) or lemon grass (Cymbopogon citrates) is hung in the poultry house: the smell of the plant drives ectoparasites away.

• Applying plant extracts on the skin of birds

Rubbing of fresh and dry tobacco leaves on the skin of the bird is helpful in killing lice.

Other applications which can be used on the bird’s skin to remove lice are:

1. Oil of Mahua / Tora or Karanji
2. A paste of 2 parts Neem (leaves or oil) + 1 part salt + 1 part ash
3. A mixture of mustard oil with salt and leaves of custard apple

•  Dipping in Neem Water

Fresh leaves of neem are boiled for 15-20 minutes, the solution is kept overnight and the leaves taken out. The solution is used for dipping the birds. The separated leaves are ground properly to make a paste, which is then applied on the affected parts of the bird.

• Fumigation of Poultry Housing

Burn dry leaves of Diospyros ebenum (ebony), tobacco or powdered bark of Citrus acida (lime) and let the smoke go into the poultry house.

Likewise dry leaves of many plants like mogra (Jasminum sambaci), Fragrant Premna (Premna odorata), and Nirgundi/Sephali (Vitex negundo) are used to fumigate poultry houses. This is effective in getting rid of lice and ticks. The quantity of leaves/bark to be burnt will depend upon the size of the poultry house.
Ensure that the smoke is not inhaled by poultry birds or humans.