Evaluation of aqueous extract of Acalypha indica on lice infestation in chicken

A trial was carried out to evaluate the lousicidal effect of aqueous extract of Acalypha indica against lice infestation in chicken. A total of 24 layer chickens, naturally infested with Lipeurus tropicalis lice, were divided into four groups comprising of6 birds each. Pre-treatment lice count was made by counting number oflice in the feathers collected from designated places like wings, legs, vent and body. The birds belonged to group I and II were sprayed with aqueous extracts of A. indica at the rate of 5 and 10 ml per bird, while group III was sprayed with cypermethrin 0.02% and group IVwas kept as untreated control. Post-treatment lice count was made on day 7, 14 and 21 and efficacy was determined based on the difference in the lice count between pre and post treatment. The lice count had reduced to zero in groups treated with extracts of A. indica and cypermethrln, as against no such reduction in control group.