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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.
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.
==Species of Veterinary Importance==
==Species of Veterinary Importance==
*[[Skin Immunologic - Pathology#Flea bite hypersensitivity|Flea allergic dermatitis (FAD)]]
*[[Skin Immunologic - Pathology#Flea bite hypersensitivity|Flea allergic dermatitis (FAD)]]
*Fleas acts as intermediate hosts for '''Dipylidium tapeworms'''
*Fleas act as vectors for [[Poxviruses#Myxoma virus|myxomatosis]] in rabbits