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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. 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
Life-Cycle
Habitats
Control
Links
- Fleas acts as intermediate hosts for Dipylidium tapeworms
- Fleas act as vectors for myxomatosis in rabbits