Arthropods - Fleas & Lice

Fleas are part of what order?

Siphonaptera

Basic characteristic of a flea include?

• 4-9mm in length

• laterally flattened

• large abdomen

• wingless

• powerful hind legs for jumping

  • more than 2,000 species identified

Fleas can transmit diseases ________

both directly and indirectly

Ctenocephalides felis is the?

cat flea

• most common

• infests many mammals, birds

Ctenoceophalides canis is the?

dog flea

• wild canids

• rare in domestic dogs

Echidnophaga allinacea is the?

poultry sticktight flea

• poultry, birds

Xenopsylla is the?

rat flea

Cediopsylla & Odontopsylla is the ?

rabbit fleas

Ctenocephalides felis is the ____ ____ ectoparasite of ___ and ____ in North America.

• most common

• dogs

• cats

Echidnophaga gallinacea is the ____ ____ ____ flea found on _____ and _____; will “stick” to host.

• second most common

• dogs

• cats

Xenophsylla cheopis are the rat flea and ____ ____ ___ and ____ ____.

• transmit bubonic plague

• other diseases

adult fleas locate their host by?

changes in light, intensity, warmth and CO₂

Adult fleas usually stay with the same host and live ____________ due to animal grooming habits.

about 7-10 days

A fleas life cycle includes ____ metamorphosis

complete

• egg

• larva

• pupa

• adult

A fleas life cycle on the animal : ~ ____

A flea’s life cycle in environment : ~ ____

• 5%

• 95%

Flea allergy dermatitis is?

acquired hyposensitivity to flea saliva

A few fleas can cause ____ ____

severe pruritus

• itchiness

Clinical signs for flea allergy dermatitis inculde ?

• hair loss

• redness

• hot spots

• crusty lesions

  • will usually be in spot where fleas will frequently reside

• frequently turning around to bite, scratch and rub rump

Flea allergy dermatitis in dogs will cause ____ ___ at the base of the ____, ________, or ________

• symmetrical lesions

• tail

• lower back

• hind legs

Flea allergy dermatitis in cats will cause lesions on the ________ , ____, ____

• back of neck

• face

• lower back

flea control program include?

• rid animal of adult fleas

• eliminate environmental reservoir

  • insecticides

  • treat all animals in household

• protect animal from re-infestations

Basic characteristics of a lice include?

• 1-2.5 mm in length

• dorsoventrally flattened

• head, thorax, abdomen

• wingless

• three pairs of legs

• clawed appendages

Lice are ____ _____ _____, and are permanent parasites

highly host specific

An infestation of lice is called

pediculosis

Lice are transmitted by?

direct contact and fomites

Chewing/Biting louse are part of what order ?

Mallophaga

Chewing/Biting louse head is ___________, have ____ on side of head and use their legs for _____________.

• wider than thorax

• mandibles

• clasping and moving

sucking louse are part of what order?

Anoplura

sucking louse head is ________ with _____ mouthparts for _____ and distinct ______________

• narrower than thorax

• piercing

• sucking

• claws for clinging to coat

Chewing/Biting louse infect _____ and sucking louse infect _____

• mammals and birds

• mammals only

Chewing/Biting louse feed on _____ and sucking louse feed on _____

• epithelial debris

• blood

Trichodectes canis is the?

dog chewing louse

Felicola subrostratus is the ?

cat chewing louse

Lingotnathus setosus is the?

dog ducking louse

How do you diagnosis lice ?

• careful examination of coat or feathers

• magnifying lens

• clear cellophane tape

• microscopic examination

Biting lice → _____

sucking lice → _______

• irritation

• anemia w

Lice life cycle is ____ metamorphosis

simple

• nit (egg)

• nymph

  • 3 molts considered one stage

• adult

Lice life cycle on the animal : ~ _____

Lice life cycle in environment : ~ _____

• 100%

• 0%

Nits glued to ____ or _____; nits hatch in _______ during warm weather; entire lifecycle completed in ____; nymphs and adults live ______ without a host

• hairs or feathers

• 2-3 weeks

• 3-4 weeks

• <7 days

What are the protocols for lice control

can be difficult due to resistance

• few insecticides will safely kill eggs

• treatments 1-2 weeks apart to kill new nymphs

• shave coat if fur is matted

• clean grooming equipment after every animal