Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Flea infestation rates in UK dogs and cats in 2005
By Bond, R et al.·Published in The Veterinary record·2007·Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Survey of flea infestation in dogs and cats in the United Kingdom during 2005.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
In 2005, a survey found that 21% of cats and nearly 7% of dogs in the UK had fleas, with cats being much more affected. Cats also showed higher rates of skin problems related to flea allergy dermatitis (FAD), with 8% of cats and 3% of dogs showing symptoms. Many pet owners were unaware that their pets had fleas. The most common flea found was the cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis), which was present in both dogs and cats. Regular flea prevention is important, especially in homes with multiple pets.
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Abstract
During 2005, 31 uk veterinary practices participated in a survey of flea infestation, during which 2653 dogs and 1508 cats were examined for evidence of flea infestation and skin disease compatible with flea allergy dermatitis (fad). The prevalence of flea infestation in the cats was 21.09 per cent, significantly (P<0.001) higher than in the dogs (6.82 per cent). The prevalence of skin lesions compatible with fad in the cats (8.02 per cent) was also significantly (P<0.001) higher than in the dogs (3.32 per cent). Flea infestations were more common in households with cats and with more than one pet. Of 467 fleas identified from the cats, 462 (98.93 per cent) were Ctenocephalides felis, one was Ctenocephalides canis, one was Archaeopsylla erinacei, two were Pulex irritans, and one was Spilopsyllus cuniculi. Of 336 fleas identified from the dogs, 313 (93.15 per cent) were C felis, five were C Canis, 12 were A erinacei, five were P irritans, and one was Ceratophyllus (Nosophyllus) fasciatus. Almost half of the owners of the dogs and cats were unaware of their pet's flea infestation. The overall prevalence of fleas and/or skin lesions that could potentially be compatible with fad was 7.46 per cent in the dogs and 22.28 per cent in the cats.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17435095/