Ectoparasite Fleas

Fleas (Siphonaptera) infestation is a problem of livestock and stockmen in Northern Pakistan. Present research was under taken to study infestation of fleas on livestock species in two small villages: Parhana and Khowari of Mansehera, Pakistan. The hosts were domestic bovid animals, chicken at poultry farm and human beings working in these vicinities during the period from April to October 2008. Relevant information was recorded, specimens mounted on slides and studied under light microscope. During this study 64 goats 62 sheep, 71 chickens and 51 humans were examined. Fleas' infestation rates in descending-order: goats (43.75%), chicken (30.98%), sheep (27.41%), and human (23.52%) were calculated. The three flea species belong to two different genera namely Pulex irritans, Ctenocephalides felis felis and Ctenocephalides canis were identified. Through the pooled compilation of data, maximum prevalence was recorded in the months of May, June and July. From present studies, it can be concluded that good management practices, education and awareness of the livestock holders is of prime importance in reducing fleas' infestation in animals.