Does hair coat length affect flea infestation in naturally infested dogs?

An overview of fleas (Siphonaptera) in wild and domestic mammals from Algeria with new data from the central north and south of the country

Fleas (Siphonaptera) are medically and veterinary important ectoparasites known to infest a wide range of host species. This study presents a systematic review complemented by new data on the diversity of flea species and host associations in Algeria. 198 mammals were examined, including previously understudied hosts such as sheep, red foxes, fennec foxes, and golden African wolves. Of these animals, 108 (54.55%) were infested with fleas. Overall, 1.906 fleas belonging to seven species (Archaeopsylla erinacei s.l., Ctenocephalides felis, C. canis, Nosopsyllus fasciatus, Pariodontis riggenbachi, Pulex irritans, Xenopsylla cheopis) were identified, originating from seven provinces across Algeria. Statistical analysis techniques were employed to process the data, including descriptive statistics, statistical tests, and principal component analysis (PCA). This study reveals the diverse flea fauna in Algeria and their association with various host species, including wild and domestic animals. This comprehensive survey aimed to combine literature reviews, fieldwork, and statistical analysis to understand fleas' diversity and host associations. The findings contribute to the growing knowledge of flea ecology and host-parasite interactions, with implications for public health and veterinary practices in Algeria and potentially other regions with similar ecological characteristics.

Disorder predispositions and protections of Labrador Retrievers in the UK

The Labrador Retriever is one of the most popular dog breeds worldwide, therefore it is important to have reliable evidence on the general health issues of the breed. Using anonymised veterinary clinical data from the VetCompass Programme, this study aimed to explore the relative risk to common disorders in the Labrador Retriever. The clinical records of a random sample of dogs were reviewed to extract the most definitive diagnoses for all disorders recorded during 2016. A list of disorders was generated, including the 30 most common disorders in Labrador Retrievers and the 30 most common disorders in non-Labrador Retrievers. Multivariable logistic regression was used to report the odds of each of these disorders in 1462 (6.6%) Labrador Retrievers compared with 20,786 (93.4%) non-Labrador Retrievers. At a specific-level of diagnostic precision, after accounting for confounding, Labrador Retrievers had significantly increased odds of 12/35 (34.3%) disorders compared to non-Labrador Retrievers; osteoarthritis (OR 2.83) had the highest odds. Conversely, Labrador Retrievers had reduced odds of 7/35 (20.0%) disorders; patellar luxation (OR 0.18) had the lowest odds. This study provides useful information about breed-specific disorder predispositions and protections, which future research could evaluate further to produce definitive guidance for Labrador Retriever breeders and owners.

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

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.