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==Siphonaptera Introduction==
==Siphonaptera Introduction==
Fleas are wingless insects that are laterally flattened so can move rapidly through hair and fur. They are of major significance to veterinary practice and will be seen almost on a daily basis at most general practices.
Fleas are wingless insects that are laterally flattened so can move rapidly through hair and fur. Their hind legs are adapted for jumping. They are of major significance to veterinary practice and will be seen almost on a daily basis at most general practices.
Adult fleas are blood sucking ectoparasites which can cause pruritis, annoyance and anaemia if present in large numbers. [[Skin Immunologic - Pathology#Flea bite hypersensitivity|Flea allergic dermatitis]] can also occur where the animal becomes allergic to the antigens in the flea saliva triggering a hypersensitivity reaction when the flea bites.
Adult fleas are blood sucking ectoparasites which can cause pruritis, annoyance and anaemia if present in large numbers. [[Skin Immunologic - Pathology#Flea bite hypersensitivity|Flea allergic dermatitis]] can also occur where the animal becomes allergic to the antigens in the flea saliva triggering a hypersensitivity reaction when the flea bites.
Fleas can also act as intermediate hosts and vectors.
Fleas can also act as intermediate hosts and vectors.
The terms '''ctenidia''' and '''combs''' can be used interchangably for spines on the head/thorax. Spines on the cheeks are referred to as '''genal''' and spines on the thorax are called '''pronotal''' combs.
==Species of Veterinary Importance==
==Species of Veterinary Importance==
===''Ctenocephalides felis''===
===''Ctenocephalides canis''===
===''Ceratophyllus gallinae''===
===''Pulex irritans''===
===''Spilopsyllus cuniculi''===
===Other important flea species===
*''Nosopsyllus fasciatus''
**Rodents
**18-20 spines in pronotal ctenidium
*''Echisnophaga gallinacea''
**Poultry
**Frons (forehead) angled anteriorly
*''Archaeopsylla erinacei''
**Hedgehogs
**1-3 short spines on genal ctendium
*1 short spine on pronotal ctenidium
==Life-Cycle==
==Life-Cycle==