Symptoms
In humans, flea bites often manifest on the lower legs in irregularly spaced bites that cause intense itching. Single flea bites are rarely observed. In non-sensitized individuals, the bites manifest as small, punctate hemorrhages. After sensitization, a wheal is formed. As a result of a late reaction, a red, very itchy papule develops, which persists for days. In animals, too, the skin reactions are in the foreground, which become noticeable through scratching, chewing and licking. Often there is a so-called allergic flea dermatitis, i.e. an allergic reaction to components of the flea saliva. In case of severe blood loss, emaciation and anemia are possible. Possible complications include transmission of many infectious diseases, for example, cat scratch disease and worm infestation with (cucumber nucleus tapeworm).
Cause
Caused primarily by the cat flea , an ectoparasite that infests cats and dogs worldwide and feeds on their blood, which it sucks directly from the capillaries. Other important parasites are the dog flea and the bird flea . Fleas are brown, wingless insects with 6 legs. They have strong hind legs and can jump 20-30 cm. After infesting a host, mating begins rapidly after the first blood meals. After only 1-2 days, the females lay the first eggs, which soon fall off the fur onto the ground. The eggs develop into larvae that feed on blood in the feces and can travel about 15 cm into hiding places. They require a sufficiently warm and humid microclimate. In the final stage, the larvae pupate and leave the cocoon 5-10 days later as mature insects. The adult fleas can survive between 10-50, and at most even over 100 days.
Transmission
Transmission can occur between pets, as well as between pets and wildlife, as fleas are known to infest a number of other animals. These include foxes, hedgehogs, birds, and various rodents, which are the reservoir. However, fleas are transmitted primarily indirectly through an infested environment rather than directly from host to host.
Nonpharmacologic treatment
- Vacuum cleaning is considered an important method that can remove a large proportion of the eggs and larvae.
- Exterminator
- Adult fleas respond to heat and light and can be caught with special flea traps.
- Infestation can be quantified with a hand vacuum cleaner.
- Biological control: ants are natural enemies of fleas.
Drug treatment
For the prevention and treatment of flea infestation in cats and dogs, there are a number of veterinary medicines available, which are presented in the article Flea Medicines. It is important to note that all pets must be treated as well. Insecticides are used, which kill the fleas directly and are sometimes effective for weeks, as well as the so-called insect-growth regulators, which are effective against the eggs and larvae that play a crucial role in infestation and reproduction. Environmental treatment is also carried out with flea products (e.g. Indorex), for example with sprays and a fogger. In addition to the pet’s habitat, the entire home may be affected. Deworming with a worming agent is also recommended, as fleas can also transmit worms (see above).
Prevention
Some flea remedies are not only suitable for treatment, but also for prevention see under flea remedies.
