Lecture 7: Flea infestations Flashcards
T or F: female fleas are larger than males
True
Scientific name for fleas
Siphonaptera
Fleas are obligate ____ of mammals and birds
Ectoparasites
T or F: fleas are host specific
False
Where are flea eggs laid
Host nest/environment
What type of metamorphosis do fleas undergo
Holometabolous
How many larval instars do fleas have
3
How long does it take to complete 1 generation
2-4 weeks
What are the 4 degrees of attachment to host
- Nidicolous fleas
- Attached to host
- Stick tight fleas
- Chigoe fleas
What are nidicolous fleas
Fleas that live in hosts nest/burrow and visit host only when to feed
What are sticktight fleas
Mated females that use their mouthparts to permanently attach to the host
What are chigoe fleas
Mated females embedded within hosts skin
what type of flea attachment is this
Sticktight
What type of flea attachment is this
chigoe
What is a common side effect of flea infestations in dogs and cats
Flea allergic dermatitis
What are some viruses, bacteria, and parasitic Protozoa fleas are vectors for
- Yersinia pestis
- Feline panleukopenia virus
- Rabbit tyrpanosomes
Fleas are intermediate hosts for ___ and ____
Tapeworms and parasitic nematodes
Provide an example of a tapeworm that fleas are intermediate hosts for
Dipylidium caninum
Fleas can be detected/diagnoses by placing a wet paper towel on patient. How would the fleas appear on paper towel to indicate positive result
Red spots
How can we control fleas
- Eliminate fleas on hosts
- Eliminate existing environmental infestations
- Prevent subsequent re-infestations
What are some treatment options for hosts with fleas
- Adulticide (fipronil, selamectin, pyrethrins)
- Insect growth regulator (methoprene)
- Adulticide +insect growth regulator
- Physical removal from host