Risk factors associated with Ctenocephalides felis flea infestation of peri-urban goats: a neglected parasite in an under-appreciated host

Abstract

Goats are critical in mixed smallholder agricultural systems in lower and middle-income countries, while fleas are important human and animal health concerns around the world. Convenience sampling was used to describe and consider risk factors for flea infestations of peri-urban goats, with the aim of informing the iterative development of animal husbandry and management based control strategies. Seven hundred and ninety-two goats were examined in 228 households across 10 peri-urban communities surrounding Blantyre in southern Malawi. The prevalence of Ctenocephalides felis fleas was 18.3, 37.1 and 100% at the levels of individual goats, households and communities, respectively, highlighting a neglected human and animal health concern. Constant introduction of new livestock coupled to a lack of biosecurity within communities, the ubiquitous presence of dog and cat hosts for C. felis, the frequency and thoroughness of cleaning overnight goat accommodation, and goat age less than 12 months old were identified as risk factors for flea infestation. This focal cross-sectional study highlights the significance of fleas in peri-urban communities and uncovers trends and commonalities that are needed to inform sustainable disease management. The majority of the peri-urban goat keepers were female, had resided in the same community throughout their whole life and had primary level education. Advice on the planned management of fleas in livestock needs to be tailored towards this demographic group. This approach affords an opportunity to promote public health measures to address household flea infestations and zoonotic disease spread.

Ectoparasites Infestation to Small Ruminants and Practical Attitudes among Farmers toward Acaricides Treatment in Central Region of Java, Indonesia

“…Infestations in small ruminants relating to this species have been previously reported in Ethiopia [76], Nigeria [77], Africa [78], and Turkey [79]. The typical hosts of Ctenocephalides sp.…”

Socio-ecological risk factors associated with human flea infestations of rural household in plague-endemic areas of Madagascar

“…Certain floor types (i.e., concrete and board) were negatively associated with flea abundance, providing a protective effect. Previous studies reported that thorough and frequent floor cleaning could remove fleas of all developmental stages, as well as organic particles on which larvae feed, and thus could reduce flea infestations [ 4 , 41 ]. Most households reported daily floor sweeping ( Table 1 ), although the dirt floor under the mat covering would be left undisturbed.…”

Knowledge and practices related to plague persistence in plague-endemic foci, Mbulu District, Tanzania

“…Further, presence of livestock was among factors that showed higher risk of flea bites. This is because the presence of livestock enhances flea development and survival because they provide a source of blood for adult fleas to feed, shelter and nesting sites and serve as vehicle for fleas spreading to the new hosts and environments when moving between different areas or come into contact with other hosts [ 56 , 57 ]. Importantly, our previous study found that rodent abundance was higher in agricultural and forest habitats within the study area [ 51 ].…”