Fleas infesting pets in the era of emerging extra-intestinal nematodes

Abstract

Modifications in climatic conditions, movements of hosts and goods, changes in animal phenology and human behaviour and increase of wildlife, are presently concurring in the geographic spread of vectors and cardio-respiratory nematodes, e.g. Dirofilaria immitis, Angiostrongylus vasorum, Aelurostrongylus abstrusus and Capillaria aerophila. All these factors may also influence dispersion and clinical significance of fleas, thus posing relevant challenges in those regions where other parasites are emerging at the same time. Ctenocephalides felis, Ctenocephalides canis and Pulex irritans cause discomfort, nuisance, allergic reactions, anaemia, and may transmit several pathogens, some of them are of importance for public health. The present article reviews the importance of fleas in small animal practice and their sanitary relevance for dogs, cats and humans, and discusses current control methods in the present era of emerging extra-intestinal nematodes, towards a possible changing perspective for controlling key parasites affecting companion animals.

Figure 1

Adult Ctenocephalides felis.

Figure 2

Adult Ctenocephalides canis.

Figure 3

Adult Pulex irritans.

Figure 4

Localized alopecia in a dog with flea allergic dermatitis.

Figure 5

Alopecia and self-trauma induced by biting and scratching in a dog with flea allergic dermatitis.

Figure 6

Flea allergic dermatitis in a cat.

Figure 7

Localized alopecia in a cat with flea allergic dermatitis in a cat.