The Biological and Health Implications of Cat Fleas (Ctenocephalides felis): Assessing Zoonotic Risks and Hygiene Strategies

Authors:

DOI: 10.23880/jidtm-16000191

Volume 9, Issue 1

Abstract

Fleas are small, wingless insects that feed on animal blood. In addition to being a major annoyance, they could unfold illnesses and result in allergic reactions or anemia of their hosts. There are more than 2,200 species of fleas recognized worldwide. Two common species of flea are the cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis) and the dog flea (Ctenocephalides canis). These parasites can reason enormous pain for both animals and human beings. In greater critical instances, they will make a contribution to anemia and transmit various illnesses, inclusive of tapeworms, bacterial infections, and rickettsial infections similar to typhus. This paper discusses the importance of hygiene in order to avoid flea infestation and its related health hazards. It remains particularly important that owners, health professionals, and the community are made more aware of the flea biology, the range of pathogens they host, and basic principles of hygiene.

Keywords: Ctenocephalides Felis; Cat Flea; Hygiene; Infestation; Health

View PDF