Echidnophaga gallinacea Flashcards
What order does it belong to?
Siphonaptera (fleas)
What is the common name?
Sticktight flea
Who are the final hosts?
fowl (occasionally dogs & cats)
Where is the site of infection?
Fowl: non feathered skin on the head, comb, & wattles, around eyes.
Dogs: margin of the outer ear
What are the characteristics of adults?
1 mm long, brown-black, distinctive blunt head
what is the life cycle?
The adult females attach permanently to the head of the host -> eggs laid & fall to the ground -> larvae hatch (sandy, well-drained litter) -> pre-emerged adults survive for several months in pupae
what are clinical signs?
Irritation, restlessness, anemia, death (young birds), bite around eye: ulcerations (blindless)
What is the diagnosis?
Flea ID
What is the treatment & prevention?
Removal of fleas manually, application antibiotic ointment, flea products, remove & burn litter, spray poultry house
Is this species host specific?
No
