A Research about Flea (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae) Infestation on Domestic Cats and Dogs in Winter Months, from Antalya, Turkey

Abstract

Many pet owners are taking precautions to protect their cats and dogs from ectoparasites only during the spring and summer months. However, some studies have shown that fleas can also be found as parasites on pets during winter. In this research, we investigated the species composition of fleas infesting cats and dogs that were brought to a veterinary clinic in Muratpasa, Antalya during the 3-months survey period. In total, 50 domestic animals were examined between December 1, 2017 and February 28, 2018. Species of fleas were identified after being collected from pets. Total 152 fleas, belonging to 2 different species, were recovered from pets. Of the domestic animals, 46% were cats (23) and 54% were dogs (27). Twenty two cats were infested with only Ctenocephalides felis. Nineteen dogs were infested with only Ct. felis, 5 dogs infested with only Ct. canis, and 3 dogs infested with both Ct. felis and Ct. canis. This research showed that infestation with fleas should be monitored and controlled in both cats and dogs during winter months as well.