ectoparasite Flashcards
ectoparasite
parasite living on or in the skin of the host
two major groups of arthropod ectoparasites infecting domestic animals
Incsecta (mosquitoes, flies, lice, fleas)
Acarine (mites, ticks)
What is the most common flea species that infest dogs and cats in the United States?
Ctenocephalides felis
True or False: Fleas have wings and can fly short distances
false
sole diet of adult fleas
blood
characteristics of adult fleas (5)
body compressed laterally, macroscopic, wingless, large powerful rear legs, piercing sucking mouthparts
four stages of the flea life cycle
a. adult
b. egg
c. larvae
d. pupae
egg of C. felis fleas
pearly white, oval, 1⁄2 mm long
Where in the pet’s home do most of the eggs of C. felis end up?
a. carpet
b. furniture
c. bedding
Two environmental conditions that will affect the length of time for the completion of C. felis flea
a. temperature
b. humidity
The optimal environmental conditions for the completion of the life cycle of C. felis flea
a. 65-85 degrees
b. 70 % humidity
The female adult, C. felis, flea lays approximately how many eggs per day
40-50
Why are the fleas usually not a problem in the desert and mountain areas of the United States?
Extreme heat, low humidity
What will cause the pre-emerged adult C. felis flea to emerge from its cocoon?
Presence of a host (vibrations, C02 emission)
The stage of the life cycle of C. felis flea where the pre-emerged adult is found
Cocoon (pupae)
What seasons of the year (in the midwest) are extreme flea problems most likely to be encountered?
Spring & Summer, optimum temp and humidity
Under optimum environmental conditions, approximately how long does it take for the eggs of C. felis flea to become an adult flea?
14-42 days
Under unfavorable conditions, it may take up to how many days to complete the life cycle of C. felis flea?
200+
Heavy infestation of fleas on young animals may result in what clinical condition?
Anemia
You are examining an animal that the owner says is scratching like crazy, but they can’t find any fleas. What should you look for (besides adult fleas) to determine if fleas are present?
Flea dirt-white paper test (spray with water to show red digested blood)
An animal has been diagnosed as having flea bite allergy. What is it that the animal is allergic to?
Saliva of flea
What symptoms do animals suffering from flea bite allergy dermatitis display clinically?
Alopecia, self-mutilation due to severe itching/pruritus
Which of the internal parasites (that infect dogs and cats) do fleas serve as an intermediate host for?
Dipylidium caninum
T or F The C. felis flea will bite and attempt to obtain a blood meal from humans if a preferred host is not available.
true
T or F Flea bite allergic dermatitis may result from the presence of only one or two adult fleas on an animal that is sensitized.
true
Considering the life cycle of C. felis flea, which of the stages of the cycle occur in the environment (home, kennel, etc.)?
egg, larvae, pupae
Which of the stage of the flea life cycle are susceptible to insecticides such as pyrethrins or synthetic pyrethroids?
Adult only
Mrs. Jones has called to find out how to get rid of the fleas on “Spike”, her 9-month old Cocker Spaniel. She has tried everything on Spike, including sprays, collars, yeast, garlic and an ultrasonic device. There are also two cats in the home, but they don’t seem to be having the problem as bad as Spike. She hasn’t been “treating” the cats.
a. What mistake(s) has Mrs. Jones made in her attempts to treat the flea problem?
b. Design a complete Flea Control Program for Mrs. Jones and her animals. Write each step in the order they should be performed.
a. not treating cats
b. 1. Kill adult fleas (provide relief) can use medicated flea shampoo (pyrethrin) but only kills adult fleas, applying topical flea control product is more effective
2. Eliminate infestation (environment) can purchase pump sprays, bombs, or hire a professional exterminator may need to do this also every 4 weeks depending on
extent of infestation (some recommend treating the yard also)
3. Prevent re-infestation- apply flea control product every 30 days year round
A total approach to flea control is necessary. What are common mistakes made resulting in unsuccessful flea control?
Not continuing to treat animal, or missing a treatment, not treating environment/home, not treating all pets
Pediculosis
louse infection
T or F: Lice are not species-specific and will live on any warm-blooded host.
false
The singular term for lice
louse
two major classifications of the insect group lice
mallophaga and anoplura
Lice eggs
nits
T or F: The biting louse has a small, narrow head compared to the sucking louse.
false
T or F: In general, lice are not visible with the naked eye
false
Where are louse eggs commonly found?
Stuck to hairs or feathers