Fleas and control (Yr 2)

Question 1

what is the generally morphology of fleas?

Answer 1

six legs with distinct body regions (insects)

Question 2

what are the fleas of dogs and cats?

Answer 2

Ctenocephalides felis
Ctenocephalides canis

Question 3

what disease can possibly be transmitted by Ctenocephalides felis?

Answer 3

tapeworm (Dipylidium caninum)
Bartonella
(important cause of flea allergic dermatitis)

Question 4

what is the most common type of flea?

Answer 4

Ctenocephalides felis

Question 5

how long is the rough lifecycle of Ctenocephalides felis?

Answer 5

3-8 weeks (depends on the temperature)

Question 6

what is the rough lifecycle of Ctenocephalides felis?

Answer 6

adults lay ovoid egg on the host which then fall to ground
they then hatch (temperature dependant)
3 stages of larvae feed on flea dirt and organ debris to eventually form a puparium
the adult flea emerges and jump onto host

Question 7

what causes fleas to jump onto a host?

Answer 7

stimuli such as vibrations, shadows, temperature, carbon dioxide

Question 8

how long does Ctenocephalides felis survive on the host?

Answer 8

around 21 days

Question 9

what are the challenges of controlling fleas?

Answer 9

majority of lifecycle is in environment
pupa isn’t affected by chemicals (insecticides)

Question 10

what causes flea allergic dermatitis?

Answer 10

hypersensitivity to allergens found in flea saliva

Question 11

how does Ctenocephalides felis become infected with Dipylidium caninum?

Answer 11

mature tapeworm proglottids disintegrate and produce eggs
flea larvae ingest the eggs and then develop to an adult flea
flea ingested by grooming

Question 12

what is the typical treatment for fleas?