Prevalence of ectoparasites in a population of feral cats from north central Florida during the summer

doi:10.1016/S0304-4017(02)00205-4

Veterinary Parasitology

Volume 109, Issues 1–2, 16 October 2002, Pages 129-139

https://doi.org/10.1016/S0304-4017(02)00205-4 Get rights and content

Abstract

Ectoparasites are a common and important cause of skin disorders in cats. Ectoparasites are capable of disease transmission and can cause life-threatening anemia in young or debilitated animals. The objective of this study was to determine the potential feline ectoparasites in domestic cats by using a cohort of feral cats from north central Florida that have not received veterinary care and have no known exposure to insecticide application. A total of 200 feral cats were randomly selected for this study. Four monthly sessions were scheduled for feral cat ectoparasite examination and sample collection. Five minutes flea combing revealed that 185/200 (92.5%) of the cats were infested with fleas. The cat flea, Ctenocephalides felis was the most common flea infesting 92.5% feral cats (mean=13.6; standard deviation±16.4 fleas per cat). Pulex simulans was identified on 9/200 (4.5%) (mean=1±0.50 fleas per cat). Echidnophaga gallinacea was found on 11/200 (5.5%) of cats (mean=14.8±9.63 fleas per cat). There was a significant difference (P=0.0005) in the average number of C. felis counted per cat between months. Mean counts in June (18.3±2.4) and July (16.6±2.1) were significantly (P<0.01) higher than in August (8.4±2.5) and September (7.7±2.0). Only 15/200 cats had skin disease. Flea infestation may potentially be the underlying cause in 10/15. Otoscopic examination of both ears revealed mite movement and black ceruminous exudate typically indicative of the presence of Otodectes cynotis in 45/200 (22.5%) cats. Examination of a swab specimen from both ear canals of all cats revealed O. cynotis in 74/200 (37%) cats. Of 74 cats positive on ear swab, 8 (10.8%) showed a normal ear canal appearance (no or mild ceruminous exudate) in both ears upon otoscopic examination. A total of nine ticks were recovered from five cats. The number and species of ticks recovered were: one adult female Rhipicephalus sanguineus; one adult female Amblyomma americanum; one adult male A. americanum; five adult female Dermacentor variabilis; and one adult female Ixodes scapularis. All superficial skin scrapes were negative. Hair clippings from the abdomen of all cats revealed 2/200 (1%) of the cats were infested with Felicola subrostratus.

Introduction

Ectoparasites are a common and important cause of pruritic and nonpruritic skin disorders in cats. Ectoparasites can transmit a variety of diseases and cause hypersensitivity disorders in animals. They also may cause life-threatening anemia in young or debilitated animals (Araujo et al., 1998). However, most cats and dogs with ectoparasites have no clinical symptoms. Recently, there has been an introduction of several new insect growth regulators, ovicidal and adulticidal products for control of flea, tick and various mite populations. This has enhanced our ability to control infestation of many common ectoparasites.

The most common group of ectoparasites infesting the cat in North America are fleas. The most common species in the United States are Ctenocephalides felis, Pulex spp. and Echidnophaga gallinacea (Dryden, 1993, Dryden and Rust, 1994). Almost 100% of domestic cats have been shown to harbor C. felis: 97% in Indiana (Dryden, 1988), and 100% in Florida (Harman et al., 1987). Studies performed in Virginia (Amin, 1974) and Wisconsin (Painter and Echerlin, 1985), reported C. felis to be the most prevalent flea species found on both dogs and cats.

Tick infestation may be noted in outdoor cats. However, the tick infestation is less serious than the diseases they transmit. The species reported most frequently infesting cats are Dermacentor variabilis, Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Amblyomma spp. and Ixodes spp. (Sosna and Medleau, 1992). Ticks can transmit to animals and humans serious diseases such as anaplasmosis, cytauxzoonosis, tularemia, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Lyme disease, and cause tick paralysis (Scott et al., 2001a, Scott et al., 2001b, Scott et al., 2001c).

Otodectes cynotis are mites that may cause otitis externa and occasionally dermatitis (Sosna and Medleau, 1992). Two types of Demodex mites infest cats. Demodex cati lives in the hair follicles, hair follicle infundibula, or stratum corneum (Medleau, 1990). In addition, D. cati can manifest as a ceruminous otitis externa (Logas, 1994, Kontos et al., 1998). Demodex gatoi is a short, stubby mite and lives superficially, not in hair follicles, as does D. cati. The sarcoptid mite, Notoedres cati, causes an intensely pruritic skin disease primarily of cats (Sousa, 1995). It has been reported on bobcats (Pence et al., 1982) and Florida panthers (Maehr et al., 1995) in the southern United States. Cheyletiella blakei most commonly infests the cat, but can be found on other species (Sousa, 1995). Lynxacarus radovskyi, the cat fur mite, has been reported in Hawaii, Texas and Florida (Craig, 1993). Felicola subrostratus is the principal louse that infests cats (Grant, 1989).

Due to the use of individual and environmental ectoparasite control programs in our domestic cats, information regarding the current prevalence of feline ectoparasites is difficult to obtain. There has been no prior study assessing the full compliment of ectoparasites on cats in one geographical area within the United States. The ectoparasites found on these feral cats represent the population range of ectoparasites to which outdoor free-ranging domestic cats may be exposed. The objective of this study was to determine the potential feline ectoparasites in domestic cats by using a cohort of feral cats from north central Florida that have not received veterinary care and have no known exposure to insecticide application.

Section snippets

Subject selection criteria

Feral cats from Operation Catnip, a spay and neuter program conducted at the College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida were used in this study (http://vetmed.ufl.edu/sacs/catnip/index.htm). These cats were trapped from north central Florida and brought in for neutering by volunteers on specific Operation Catnip days (Operation Catnip, 2001). These cats lived totally outdoors and were not client owned. Following surgery and vaccination, these cats were released to their original

Subject selection

A total of 200 feral cats were randomly selected from approximately 500 cats presented during the four time periods. There were 100 males and 100 females. Samples were collected from 42 cats in June, 56 cats in July, 40 cats in August, and 62 cats in September.

Dermatologic physical exam

Only 15 of the 200 cats had skin lesions, excluding the ear canals, and all 15 of these cats had fleas. Head and neck miliary dermatitis was noted in 4/185 (2.2%) of the flea infested cats. Bilateral lip ulcers, clinically compatible with

Discussion

The cat flea, C. felis was the most common flea and the most common ectoparasite infesting feral cats in northern Florida, infesting 185/200 (92.5%) cats. These results are consistent with previous studies (Dryden, 1988, Harman et al., 1987, Painter and Echerlin, 1985. The mean C. felis number was only 13.6±16.4, suggesting that the flea density found in general on infested cats was not high.

An earlier study in north central Florida found that 20% of dogs were infested with Pulex spp. and only

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank Dr. Julie Levy for her cooperation, support and for allowing us to use the Operation Catnip animals and facilities. We would also like to thank our clinical dermatology technician, Jennifer Lopez, for her help throughout this project.

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Cited by (90)

Detection of Bartonella spp. and Rickettsia spp. in cat fleas (Ctenocephalides felis) collected from free-roaming domestic cats in southeastern Georgia, USA
2022, Veterinary Parasitology: Regional Studies and Reports
The cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis) is a competent vector of numerous bacterial pathogens in the genera Bartonella and Rickettsia. In the United States, free-roaming domestic cats (Felis catus) increase the risk of exposure to C. felis for humans and their companion animals. In collaboration with a trap-neuter-return program, we collected fleas from 283 feral/stray cats in southeastern Georgia between May and July of 2020. A total of 3,643 flea specimens were collected, and C. felis was the only flea species recovered from all cats sampled. The mean number of fleas per cat host was highest in the month of June when compared to May and July, and higher in juvenile cats (< 1 year) than the adults (≥ 1 year). Real-time PCR assays were used to test a subset of the collected fleas (n = 468) for the presence of Bartonella spp. and Rickettsia spp. DNA. Among those flea pools tested, 35.2% were positive for genus-specific citrate synthase gene of Bartonella, 16.5% were positive for the genus-specific 17-kDa protein antigen gene of Rickettsia, and none were positive for the species-specific outer membrane protein B gene of Rickettsia typhi. The identification of potential flea-borne pathogens was more frequent from the subset of C. felis collected in May, and female cats had more Bartonella-positive fleas and less Rickettsia-positive fleas than male cats. Overall, the present study provides valuable insights into the frequency of C. felis from outdoor community cats in southeastern Georgia, and highlights the possible risk for human exposure to potential flea-borne pathogens.
Fleas and Lice
2022, Greene's Infectious Diseases of the Dog and Cat, Fifth Edition
Fleas
- •
  First Described: Familiar since antiquity, fleas (Pulex irritans, Tunga penetrans) were first described in the 10^th edition of Systema Naturae published by Linnaeus in 1758. Ctenocephalides canis was first described by Curtis in 1826, Ctenocephalides felis by Bouché in 1835, Ctenocephalides gallinacea by Westwood in 1875, and Pulex simulans by Baker in 1895.
- •
  Cause: Ctenocephalides felis (cat flea) most common on dogs and cats worldwide; also Ctenocephalides canis (dog flea), Echidnophaga gallinacea (sticktight flea), Pulex spp. (human flea), Xenopsylla cheopis (rat flea) (family Pulicidae, order Siphonaptera); Tunga penetrans (chigoe flea, jigger) (family Hectopsyllidae (formerly Tungidae), order Siphonaptera).
- •
  Affected Hosts: Dogs, cats, other domestic animals, and peridomestic wildlife.
- •
  Geographic Distribution: Most fleas of companion animals (Ctenocephalides spp., Pulex spp., E. gallinacea) are found worldwide, sparing high altitude and arid regions; T. penetrans is native to the Caribbean, Central America, and South America, and has been introduced to and established in sub-Saharan Africa, especially East Africa, and India.
- •
  Primary Mode of Transmission: Infestations are most often acquired through direct contact with emerging fleas from pupae in the environment. Fleas are persistent or permanent ectoparasites of the host; although considered a secondary infestation route, a few fleas may occasionally move directly from an infested animal to another animal in close, prolonged proximity.
- •
  Major Clinical Signs: Pruritus; anemia; flea allergy dermatitis consisting of tail head or abdominal alopecia, seborrhea, pyotraumatic dermatitis, and secondary infections (dogs); or miliary dermatitis especially around the neck (cats). Pruritus may be the primary clinical sign or, in some flea-infested animals, absent. Direct evidence of flea infestation (fleas, flea frass) is absent in the majority of dogs and cats with flea allergy dermatitis. Fleas also serve as vectors for common pathogens, including Bartonella spp. and Dipylidium caninum.
- •
  Differential Diagnoses: Atopic dermatitis; dermatophytosis, bacterial pyoderma, Malassezia dermatitis, mite infestations (Cheyletiella spp., Demodex spp., Notoedres cati, Otodectes cynotis, Sarcoptes scabiei, Lynxacarus radovskyi), lice infestation, mosquito allergy, cutaneous adverse food reactions, autoimmune disease.
- •
  Human Health Significance: Humans, especially those sharing a home with infested pets, are at risk of experiencing flea bites, particularly on the feet, ankles, and lower legs. The bites occur when adult fleas emerge from pupae and feed on humans instead of pets. Children less than 10 years of age are particularly likely to develop a localized allergic reaction to the bites.
Lice (pediculosis)
- •
  First Described: Trichodectes canis was first described in 1778 by De Geer. Linognathus setosus was described in 1816 by von Olfers, and Heterodoxus spiniger by Enderlein in 1909. Felicola subrostratus was first described in 1838 by Burmeister as Trichodectes subrostratus and moved to a newly erected genus, Felicola, by Ewing in 1929.
- •
  Cause: Dogs: Trichodectes canis, Linognathus setosus, Heterodoxus spiniger; cats: Felicola subrostratus (family Trichodectidae [T. canis, F. subrostratus], Boopiidae [H. spiniger], and Linognathidae [L. setosus], order Psocodea, clade Phthiraptera.
- •
  Affected Hosts: Dogs and closely related wild canids (coyotes, wolves) are infested with T. canis and L. setosus. Heterodoxus spiniger evolved on dingo hosts but is now found on domestic dogs and other wild canids (jackals, coyotes, wolves, foxes), and occasionally on cats, primarily in warmer areas of the world. Domestic cats are hosts for F. subrostratus.
- •
  Geographic Distribution: Lice are found on dogs and cats worldwide although prevalence and species composition vary by geography and climate. Lice are more common in free-roaming populations and in dogs and cats not regularly treated with ectoparasiticides. Some species (e.g., T. canis) are more common in colder areas, while others (H. spiniger) predominate in warmer regions.
- •
  Primary Mode of Transmission: Infestations are acquired through direct contact between animals, including from dam to nursing young in the neonatal period. Lice may also be spread through fomites (e.g., brushes, bedding). All stages of the louse life cycle are found on the host.
- •
  Major Clinical Signs: Pruritus; alopecia; anemia (L. setosus); presence of eggs (nits) adherent to and different stages of lice grasping the hair shaft.
- •
  Differential Diagnoses: Flea allergy dermatitis; atopic dermatitis; dermatophytosis, bacterial pyoderma, Malassezia dermatitis, mite infestations (Cheyletiella spp., Demodex spp., Notoedres cati, Otodectes cynotis, Sarcoptes scabiei, Lynxacarus radovskyi), mosquito allergy, cutaneous adverse food reactions, autoimmune disease.
- •
  Human Health Significance: None. Lice are host-specific parasites, and people acquire lice from other people, not from pets or from an environment with pets.
Mites
2022, Greene's Infectious Diseases of the Dog and Cat, Fifth Edition
Cheyletiella spp. ('Walking Dandruff')
- •
  Cause: Cheyletiella yasguri, Cheyletiella blakei (family Cheyletidae, order Actinedida).
- •
  First Described: Cheyletiella parasitovorax was first described from the fur of rabbits by Megnin in 1878 as the genus “Cheyletus.” In 1885, Canestrini erected the genus Cheyletiella. Robert Smiley described Cheyletiella yasguri as a primary infestation on dogs in 1965, and Cheyletiella blakei as a new species from cats in 1970.
- •
  Affected Hosts: Dogs (C. yasguri), cats (C. blakei).
- •
  Geographic Distribution: Worldwide.
- •
  Primary Mode of Transmission: Direct contact with infested animals or with mites in the environment.
- •
  Major Clinical Signs: Mild to moderate dermatitis, excessive scaling, and alopecia usually along the dorsal aspect of the head, neck, and back. Pruritus may be the primary presenting complaint or, in subclinical carriers of mites, absent.
- •
  Differential Diagnoses: Flea allergy dermatitis, other mite infestations (Demodex spp., Notoedres cati, Otodectes cynotis, Sarcoptes scabiei), lice, mosquito allergy, dermatophytosis, bacterial pyoderma, Malassezia dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, cutaneous adverse food reactions, autoimmune disease.
- •
  Human Health Significance: Humans, especially those in frequent contact with infested animals through shared households or animal care teams, are very susceptible to infestation with Cheyletiella spp. and may develop pruritus and a papular, erythematous dermatitis, particularly on regions of the body in direct contact while holding infested animals, such as the forearms or abdomen.
Demodex spp. (Hair Follicle Mites, Red Mange, Demodicosis, Demodectic Mange)
- •
  Cause: Demodex canis, Demodex injai, Demodex cati, Demodex gatoi, Demodex sp. (family Demodicidae, suborder Prostigmata, order Trombidiformes).
- •
  First Described: Demodex canis was first described by Leydig in 1859. Demodex cati was first described by Megnin in 1877 as Demodex folliculorum var. cati, and then later as D. cati by Hirst in 1919. In 1997, Hillier and Desch described Demodex injai, and in 1999, Demodex gatoi was described from a cat in Louisiana, United States, by Desch and Stewart. Morphologic variants (e.g., “Demodex cornei”) have occasionally been described but later synonymized with existing species. Skin lesions and otitis externa caused by unnamed Demodex spp. have also been reported.
- •
  Affected Hosts: Dogs (D. canis, D. injai); cats (D. cati, D. gatoi, Demodex sp.).
- •
  Geographic Distribution: Worldwide, with D. canis and D. cati reported more commonly and in a wider distribution than the other species.
- •
  Primary Mode of Transmission: Most Demodex species are thought to be transferred from dam to offspring early in the neonatal period upon close contact during nursing. Some species (e.g., D. gatoi) are contagious and can be transmitted via direct contact among co-housed young or adult animals.
- •
  Major Clinical Signs: Localized demodicosis: focal regions of mild to moderate alopecia and hyperkeratosis, often on the face and usually not pruritic. Generalized demodicosis (juvenile or adult onset): moderate to severe alopecia, erythema, and alopecia with folliculitis and furunculosis; pustules and crusts are often present and secondary pyoderma, which may be pruritic, can lead to sepsis. Lesions develop anywhere on the body, including periorbital, pedal, or associated with otitis externa.
- •
  Differential Diagnoses: Flea allergy dermatitis, other mite infestations (N. cati, O. cynotis, S. scabiei), lice, mosquito allergy, dermatophytosis, bacterial pyoderma (often present with demodicosis), Malassezia dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, cutaneous adverse food reactions, autoimmune disease.
- •
  Human Health Significance: None known. Demodex spp. of dogs and cats are not transmitted to humans.
Sarcoptes scabiei (Itch Mite, Scabies, Sarcoptic Mange)
- •
  Cause: Sarcoptes scabiei var. canis (family Sarcoptidae, order Sarcoptiformes).
- •
  First Described: Sarcoptes scabiei was first described in 1689 by Bonomo and Cestoni (Alilan, 1989), the species described by Linnaeus in 1758, and is widely considered to be the first known human disease with a confirmed microscopic etiology (Arlian and Morgan, 2017). Mites infesting different hosts are generally regarded as somewhat host-specific varieties of the larger S. scabiei species group.
- •
  Affected Hosts: Dogs, wild canids, especially coyotes, wolves, and red fox (Vulpes vulpes); rarely cats.
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  Geographic Distribution: Worldwide.
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  Primary Mode of Transmission: Highly contagious through direct contact with infested animals.
- •
  Major Clinical Signs: Intense pruritus, hyperkeratosis, alopecia, self-excoriations. If chronic, weight loss and decreased body condition. Lesions are often most pronounced on the margins of pinnae, lateral elbows, and lateral tarsi. If immunocompromised, profound hyperkeratosis may develop in a condition referred to as “crusted scabies.”
- •
  Differential Diagnoses: Flea allergy dermatitis, other mite infestations (Demodex spp., O. cynotis), lice, mosquito allergy, dermatophytosis, bacterial pyoderma, Malassezia dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, cutaneous adverse food reactions, autoimmune disease.
- •
  Human Health Significance: Humans, especially those in frequent contact with infested animals through shared households or animal care teams, are very susceptible to infestation with S. scabiei var. canis from dogs and may develop pruritus and a papular, erythematous dermatitis, particularly on regions of the body in direct contact while holding infested animals, such as the forearms or abdomen. However, outbreaks of human scabies that occur in shared housing (e.g., nursing homes, prisons, dormitories) are caused by Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis and are of human origin.
Notoedres cati (Feline Head and Neck Mange)
- •
  Cause: Notoedres cati (family Sarcoptidae, order Sarcoptiformes).
- •
  First Described: Notoedres cati was first described as a small feline Sarcoptes sp. by Hering in 1838, and then as a distinct genus and species by Railliet in 1893.
- •
  Affected Hosts: Cats, wild felids.
- •
  Geographic Distribution: Worldwide.
- •
  Primary Mode of Transmission: Highly contagious through direct contact with infested animals.
- •
  Major Clinical Signs: Intense pruritus, alopecia, and hyperkeratotic crusts, particularly on the pinnae, head, and feet, often presenting with self-excoriation which can be severe.
- •
  Differential Diagnoses: Flea allergy dermatitis, other mite infestations (Demodex spp., O. cynotis), lice, mosquito allergy, dermatophytosis, bacterial pyoderma, Malassezia dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, cutaneous adverse food reactions, autoimmune disease.
- •
  Human Health Significance: Humans, especially those in frequent contact with infested cats through shared households or animal care teams, are very susceptible to infestation with N. cati and may develop pruritus and a papular, erythematous dermatitis, particularly on regions of the body in direct contact while holding infested animals, such as the forearms or abdomen.
Otodectes cynotis (Ear Mites)
- •
  Cause: Otodectes cynotis (family Psoroptidae, order Sarcoptiformes).
- •
  First Described: Ear mites were originally described as Sarcoptes cynotis by Hering in 1838 and reclassified as Otodectes cynotis by Neveu-Lemaire in 1938.
- •
  Affected Hosts: Cats, dogs.
- •
  Geographic Distribution: Worldwide.
- •
  Primary Mode of Transmission: Direct contact with infested animals; transfer particularly common during neonatal period.
- •
  Major Clinical Signs: Otitis externa characterized by otic pruritus, excessive dark cerumen, head shaking, and, in some cases, bloody discharge; mites usually confined to ear canal.
- •
  Differential Diagnoses: Other otic mite infestations (Demodex spp.), mosquito allergy, dermatophytosis, otitis externa caused by bacteria or Malassezia, atopic dermatitis, cutaneous adverse food reactions, autoimmune disease.
- •
  Human Health Significance: Although rare, there are a few isolated anecdotal case reports of human infestation with O. cynotis.
Considerations and Management of Infectious Diseases of Community (Unowned, Free-Roaming) Cats
2022, Greene's Infectious Diseases of the Dog and Cat, Fifth Edition
- •
  During their lifetimes, community cats can move along the socialization spectrum and between owned and unowned status. They may interact with pet cats, humans, and wildlife. These factors impact infectious disease identification, risk assessment, and control.
- •
  Community cats can carry zoonotic pathogens such as rabies, toxoplasmosis, bartonellosis, and zoonotic helminths.
- •
  Pathogens of particular importance for the cats are retroviral infections, FPV, upper respiratory pathogens, and intestinal parasites.
- •
  Disease prevalence is difficult to ascertain, as most surveys rely on convenience sampling of apparently healthy cats during TNR programs. The magnitude of disease risk to humans and pet cats is likely to be overstated based on pathogen surveys alone, particularly those using antibodies.
- •
  Infectious disease management is focused on high priorities such as vaccination for rabies and other core pathogens. TNR programs offer opportunities for vaccination and parasite control.
- •
  Individuals working with community cats should be vaccinated against rabies, avoid contact with cats that are not anesthetized, and use common-sense precautions such as wearing gloves and frequent hand washing.
Ticks
2022, Greene's Infectious Diseases of the Dog and Cat, Fifth Edition
- •
  First Described: The earliest written records of ticks date to ancient Greek literature. Homer mentioned ticks in his poem Odyssey (800 BC) as did Aristotle in the History of Animals (335 BC). Rhipicephalus sanguineus adults and nymphs were recovered from a mummified dog dating to Roman Egypt.¹ Occurrence of ticks in the fossil record indicate the parasites originated during the Cretaceous period (65–146 mya).²
- •
  Causes: Ticks that infest dogs and cats belong to two taxonomic families, the Ixodidae or hard ticks, and the Argasidae or soft ticks. The most common ticks found on dogs and cats in North America are hard ticks and include Amblyomma americanum (lone star tick), Amblyomma maculatum (Gulf Coast tick), Dermacentor andersoni (Rocky Mountain wood tick), Dermacentor occidentalis (Pacific Coast tick), Dermacentor variabilis (American dog tick), Haemaphysalis longicornis (longhorn tick), Ixodes pacificus (western black-legged tick), Ixodes scapularis (deer tick; black-legged tick), and Rhipicephalus sanguineus (brown dog tick; kennel tick). The soft tick most commonly encountered in dogs and cats is Otobius megnini (spinose ear tick). However, other soft ticks including Ornithodoros spp. can also infest dogs and cats.
- •
  Affected Hosts: All dogs and cats are susceptible to tick infestation.
- •
  Geographic Distribution: Worldwide with the highest abundances in tropical and temperate climates.
- •
  Primary Mode of Transmission: Contact with environments contaminated with ticks. Intrastadial transfer of ticks from one infested animal to another.
- •
  Major Clinical Signs: Painful bite, erythema, pruritus, inflammation, swelling, ulceration, hypersensitivity reactions, otitis externa, paralysis, and anemia. Ticks are vectors of several pathogens capable of resulting in severe disease with variable clinical signs in dogs and cats.
- •
  Differential Diagnoses: Other ectoparasites including mites, fleas, lice, and bed bugs. For tick paralysis, key differential diagnoses include botulism, polyradiculoneuritis, acute peripheral neuropathies, snakebite, and hypokalemia.
- •
  Human Health Significance: Several species of ticks (e.g., A. americanum and I. scapularis) readily bite and feed on humans. Pets that are not maintained on tick control can transport ticks indoors increasing the risk of exposure to humans. Owners removing embedded ticks from infested pets with improper technique or without protection risk infections with tick-borne pathogens.
Biocontrol of the cat flea, Ctenocephalides felis, by entomopathogenic nematodes and fungi
2020, Biological Control
The cat flea, Ctenocephalides felis (Bouche) (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae), is the most important ectoparasite of domestic pets. Its control is mainly based on chemical insecticides. In this study, the potential of fungi and nematodes to control this pest was evaluated. The various life stages of the cat flea were exposed to several variables: strains and species of entomopathogenic nematodes and fungi at different ambient temperatures and levels of relative humidity (RH), as well as in\on filter paper, sand or carpet as substrates. The nematode Steinernema feltiae (Nematoda: Steinernematidae) was most virulent against flea larvae, cocoons and adults, and the nematode Heterorhabditis bacteriophora Poinar (Rhabditida: Heterorhabditidae) was highly effective against flea cocoons on all substrates evaluated. Overall, the nematodes were most effective at 28o C and 95% RH. The fungus Metarhizium robertsii 2575 (Bischoff) (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae), was highly virulent against adult fleas. Flea eggs were resistant to both nematodes and the fungus evaluated. The results indicate high potential for use of microbial control agents against cat fleas. While the fungus, M. robertsii, could be effective in killing adult fleas on infested vertebrates, the nematodes S. feltiae and H. bacteriophora could be successful in controlling pre-imaginal stages on the soil.

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Prevalence of ectoparasites in a population of feral cats from north central Florida during the summer

Abstract

Introduction

Section snippets

Subject selection criteria

Subject selection

Dermatologic physical exam

Discussion

Acknowledgements

Vet. Parasitol.

Vet. Parasitol.

Vet. Parasitol.

Vet. Clin. N. Am. Small Anim. Pract.

Vet. Clin. N. Am. Small Anim. Pract.

Vet. Parasitol.

Vet. Parasitol.

Host associations and seasonal occurrence of fleas from southeastern Wisconsin mammals, with observations on morphologic variations

J. Med. Entomol.

Lynxacarus radovsky infestation in a cat

J. Am. Vet. Med. Assoc.

Biology of fleas of dogs and cats

Comp. Cont. Educ. Pract. Vet.

Techniques for estimating on animal populations of Ctenocephalides felis (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae)

J. Med. Entomol.

Control of fleas on dogs and cats and in homes with combination of oral lufenuron and nitenpyram

Vet. Therapeu.

Parasitic skin diseases in cats

J. Small Anim. Pract.

Two rare disorders in the cat: demodectic otitis externa and sarcoptic mange

Feline Pract.