L8: Flea Infestation Flashcards
what are Siphonaptera
fleas
in general, fleas are _____ host specific
not very
* most fleas have preferred hosts but will feed from other host speices
physical characteristics of fleas (Siphonaptera)
- reddish brown - black
- enlarged hing legs for jumping
- piercing/sucking mouthparts for hematophagy
fleas are obligate ectoparasites of _______ & _______
mammals and birds
where are flea eggs laid
in the host’s nest or resting site
if laid ON host, the eggs will fall off
what type of lifecycle do fleas have
holometabolous (complete) metamorphosis
describe the flea lifecycle
- usually 3 larval instars
- larvae feed on adult flea feces and organic debris
- pupae are in cocoons
- typically takes 2-4 weeks to complete a generation
- fleas are able to survive long periods without food
how does flea transmission occur
contact w/ infected hosts, infested sleeping quarters, kennels, nests, dens, etc
4 types of flea attachment
- those that live in the host’s nest/burrow and visit host only to feed nidicolous fleas
- those that primarily in ON the hosts body
- in sticktight fleas mated females use their mouthparts to permanently attach to the host
- in the chigoe fleas mates females embed within the host’s skin
how do nidicolous fleas attach to their host
live in host’s nest/burrow
they only visit the host to feed
how do sticktight fleas attach to their host
mated females use their mouthparts to permanently attach to the host
how do chigoe fleas attach to their host
mated females attach to their host by embedding within the skin
mild to moderate fleas infestations (in dogs/cats) can result in…
- pruritis, restlessness and disruption of normal beahviors
- Flea allergy dermatitis
severe flea infestations can result in…
severe pruritis, alopecia, anemia, loss of condition, decreased production and death (in young animals)
some flea species are vectors of what important virus
Yersinia pestis the causative agent of buobonic plague
some flea species are intermediate hosts of _________ and _________
tapeworms (Dipylidium caninum) and parasitic nematodes
diagnosing flea infestations
adults on host or adults/ larvae from bedding debris
flea feces:* place on wet paper towel, look for red spots*
explain a comprehensive flea control program
- eliminate fleas on hosts
- eliminate existing environmental infestations
- prevent subsequent re infestation
how to treat host with flea infestation
- Adulticides
- insect growth regulators
indoor flea control
- vacuum infested areas
- wash pet bedding/rugs/etc
- apply adulticied and Insect growth regulators or borate powder to infested carpets/furniture
outdoor flea control
- trim trees, shrubs, grass, remove debris
- in shaded microhabitats apply insecticides or Steinernema carpocapsae
- collect/destroy infested animal bedding
- elevate animal cages
T/F: poultry fleas are relatively insignificant disease vectors
T
heavy flea infestations in chickens can lead to..
irritation, restlessness, anemia, weight loss, decreased production/laying performance, death
- flea of chickens that attach on nonfeathered areas like skin ob head, comb, wattles and vent
- they bite near the eyes and cause lesions that result in blindness
Echidnophaga gallinacea (Sticktight flea)
