An Investigation into The Frequency and Causes of Fleas in Goat Farms

Abstract

The objectives of the study are to determine the flea density in goat farms in the Bornova district of the province of Izmir, investigate the reasons, and develop remedies. This study is a situation determination to determine the flea problem in extensive goat farms. The research sample, which was carefully selected from the agricultural and livestock records kept by the Bornova District Directorate, consisted of 39 goat farms. According to research, 84.61% of sheep and goat farms experience flea problems, and 94.87% of those farms lose animals as a result of flea infestations. 33.33% of the body colours of animals with fleas are black. The most frequently infested animals by fleas were goats (28.21%) and young animals (33.33%). The main symptoms of a flea infestation are itching and hair loss (17.95% and 20.51%). Removing manure from the barn was the most widely used flea management technique (38.46%), followed by using pesticides (17.95%). Cats or dogs were reported to have flea issues in 89.74% of the farms. As a result, if flock management activities including hygiene and sanitation, animal welfare, and health-protection techniques are done well, the damage caused by ectoparasites will be reduced. To prevent potential financial losses in the flock, it is recommended to emphasise to goat producers the importance of flea infestations and to apply appropriate flea control methods.