The Biology and Ecology of Cat Fleas and Advancements in Their Pest Management: A Review

Abstract

The cat flea Ctenocephalides felis felis (Bouché) is the most important ectoparasite of domestic cats and dogs worldwide. It has been two decades since the last comprehensive review concerning the biology and ecology of C. f. felis and its management. Since then there have been major advances in our understanding of the diseases associated with C. f. felis and their implications for humans and their pets. Two rickettsial diseases, flea-borne spotted fever and murine typhus, have been identified in domestic animal populations and cat fleas. Cat fleas are the primary vector of Bartonella henselae (cat scratch fever) with the spread of the bacteria when flea feces are scratched in to bites or wounds. Flea allergic dermatitis (FAD) common in dogs and cats has been successfully treated and tapeworm infestations prevented with a number of new products being used to control fleas. There has been a continuous development of new products with novel chemistries that have focused on increased convenience and the control of fleas and other arthropod ectoparasites. The possibility of feral animals serving as potential reservoirs for flea infestations has taken on additional importance because of the lack of effective environmental controls in recent years. Physiological insecticide resistance in C. f. felis continues to be of concern, especially because pyrethroid resistance now appears to be more widespread. In spite of their broad use since 1994, there is little evidence that resistance has developed to many of the on-animal or oral treatments such as fipronil, imidacloprid or lufenuron. Reports of the perceived lack of performance of some of the new on-animal therapies have been attributed to compliance issues and their misuse. Consequentially, there is a continuing need for consumer awareness of products registered for cats and dogs and their safety.

Comparative Efficacy of Frontline Tri-Act<sup>®</sup> Spot on (Fipronil/Permethrin) versus Seresto<sup>®</sup> Collar (Imidacloprid/Flumethrin) against Fleas (<i>Ctenocephalides felis</i>) and Ticks (<i>Rhipicephalus sanguineus</i>) on Dogs with Simulation of Bi-Monthly Rain Exposure

“…Indeed, animals exposed to parasitic pressure usually have an outdoor lifestyle and are therefore often subjected to natural conditions including rain, swimming and bathing [1] [5] [6]. The duration of protection may vary due to the activities of each dog.…”

“…Many ectoparasiticides have been formulated for topical application (spot ons, collars) or more recently for oral administration [8] [9]. The topical products, spot ons and collars, that act by direct contact with ectoparasites might have a better speed of kill due to their immediate efficacy compared to oral systemic product that requires that the parasite start to take a blood meal prior to being affected [1] [7] [8] [9]. The insecticide-acaricide impregnated collars claim to be effective for several months.…”

“…Fleas of the genus Ctenocephalides are the most common ectoparasites of dogs and cats worldwide [1]. Flea infestation can cause considerable irritation to animals and humans, or can lead to severe disorders such as anemia and dermatological problems including flea allergic dermatitis (FAD) [1].…”

“…In that context, the role of an anti-flea and tick product is not only to treat an existing infestation but more importantly, to protect the animal from re-infestation and potential concomitant vector-borne disease transmission or development of allergy [1] [2]. Despite the increasing number of ectoparasiticide products and their use, flea and ticks infestation of dogs remains common in Europe and other continents [7].…”

“…Flea infestation can cause considerable irritation to animals and humans, or can lead to severe disorders such as anemia and dermatological problems including flea allergic dermatitis (FAD) [1]. Flea species are of veterinary and public health importance as they can be reservoirs and potential vectors for a variety of pathogens including zoonotic agents [1] [2] [3].…”