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PLEASE NOTE A NEW 4TH EDITION HAS BEEN PUBLISHED AND IS AVAILABLE IN THE LIBRARY AND IN PRINT
Flea infestations of pets and the home environment are a common occurrence. Fleas are responsible for the production and transmission of several diseases, including Bartonella henselae (the causative agent of cat scratch fever), Diplyidium caninum (tapeworms) and feline leukaemia virus (FeLV). Furthermore, flea allergy dermatitis, also called flea bite hypersensitivity, is the most common small animal dermatological condition in the world. Although more than 2000 species have been identified, the flea that causes most of the problems to dogs and cats is Ctenocephalides felis felis, the common cat flea. It accounts for 92% and 99% of the fleas found on dogs and cats, respectively. In many areas a wide range of non-domestic animals can harbour C. felis and thus serve as a continuous source of fleas to pets. In the United States, the racoon, fox, skunk and opossum are especially known to create 'source points' in the immediate environment (e.g. outdoors under the house). The chapter addresses Flea biology; Pathogenesis; Clinical approach; and Treatment.
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