Fleas

Question 1

• Flea
• Parasitizes nearly any mammal
• Most common flea in cats and dogs
• In most of US, but not endemic to cold dry areas
• Feeding causes irritation, can cause anemia, saliva can cause very pruritic hypersensitivity in some animals
• Transmits Dipylidium caninum, Acanthocheilonema reconditum, and Bartonella henselae

Answer 1

Ctenocephalides felis

Question 2

• Flea
• Most common flea biting humans in CO
• Main reservoir = wildlife, also parasitizes, cats, dogs, humans
• Pets usually pick up at abandoned dens
• Carries plague
• 1 month life cycle

Answer 2

Pulex irritans

Question 3

• Flea
• Prefers poultry or wild birds, will also parasitize cats, dogs, horses, rabbits
• US as far north as Kansas and Virginia
• Females remain attached at feeding site–> can cause swelling and irritation–> often mistaken for tick
• One or two month life cycle

Answer 3

Echidnophaga gallinacea

-Sticktight flea