Fleas

8.4 FLEAS

Fleas are jumping insects that bite and suck blood. Although livestock owners often complain about them, fleas are seldom a serious problem for livestock. They may become a problem if large numbers build up in animal housing. Large numbers of fleas may seriously weaken animals by sucking their blood and causing intense irritation at the site of the bite.

Fleas from livestock can also bite people who live nearby, causing intense itching and irritation. In areas where people and animals live in the same building, fleas can create human health problems.

Flea Lifecycle: Fleas are hard to control because there are four stages of development (egg, larvae, pupa, and adult) and only the adult stage lives primarily on the animal. The other stages hide in bedding, clothes, rugs, furniture, and cracks and corners where dust and dirt collect.

Symptoms / Diagnosis: The main symptom is itching and scratching. Some people and animals get an allergic reaction from flea bites. Fleas may be diagnosed by finding the adults jumping around. Or, small black specks that look like dirt may be seen. These black specks are really the feces from fleas. To test, put the black specks on white paper, and place a few drops of water on the specks. A red stain will appear on the paper if it is flea feces because they contain the red color of the blood that the fleas have eaten.

Treatment: Insecticide dust, and many types of sprays applied to animals help to reduce the flea problem but kill only those fleas which happen to be on the animal. Fleas that are living off the animal can later re-infest the animal. Check the labels for specific instructions. Note: Injectables and pour-ons which get into the blood of animals are also often effective for control of fleas and other insects. However, they are expensive.

Prevention / Control: Before any type of spraying or dusting is done, the housing should also be thoroughly cleaned. Especially clean in the corners of buildings where dust and dirt accumulate, and any hides or fabric that provide hiding places. This area should then be sprayed or dusted.