Dog and Cat fleas!

What is the taxonomic classification of fleas

Insecta

Siphonaptera

Describe morphology of a flea order Siphonaptera

What are the two main fleas?

Ctenocephalides felis - cat flea

Ctenocephalides canis - dog flea

What are the symptoms of a flea infestation

skin irritation

anaemia

FAD - flea allergic dermatitis

What can fleas transmit?

tapeworm

bacteria

virusues

describe the flea lifecycle

holometabolous - complete metamorphosis

eggs, larvae, pupa all found in the environment.

What are the clinical signs of flea allergic dermatitis?

alopecia, excessive grooming, skin damage

hypersensitivity to allergens in flea saliva

one flea can trigger a response

secondary infections

How do you diagnose flea infestation

presence of fleas

pruritis

flea dirt

What 4 tings are needed for full flea control

adulticides

env treatments

hygiene

owner education

give examples of adulticides that affect fleas

Isoxazolines eg fluralaner chew/spot on

phenylpyrazoles eg fipronil spot on

neonicotinoids eg imidacloprid spot on

give examples of environmental flea treatments

insect growth regulators

• chitin synthetase inhibitors

• juvenile hormones analogues

insecticides

• synthetic pyrethroids eg permethrin (TOXIC TO CATS)