What is it about?
Fleas are not only serious pests to companion pets, but are also associated with public health concerns. Despite the availability of many safe and effective anti-flea products, the success of flea control programmes varies for different reasons and treatment failure is not uncommon in clinical practice. In this Review, we summarise the basics of flea biology and impact of flea infestation on the host. We also discuss the factors that can result in ineffective treatment and control of flea infestation.
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Why is it important?
Fleas are serious pests and flea control challenges continue to occur. The reasons why flea infestations remain frequent in companion animals despite the considerable number of anti-flea products is of interest. Therefore, better understanding of the possible reasons for treatment failures can help to inform clinical practice and improve treatment outcomes.
Perspectives
Successful flea control relies mainly on the use of effective anti-flea products and pet owners adhering to treatment recommendations. The failure to achieve adequate flea control is more likely due to poor owner compliance rather than lack of drug inefficacy. Therefore, Veterinary staff should be proactive in providing rationale for the use of anti-flea products and reassure owners of their effectiveness with the aim of maximising compliance.
Hany Elsheikha
University of Nottingham
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Flea infestation: a snapshot on the common products and the reasons for treatment failure, The Veterinary Nurse, March 2021, Mark Allen Group,
DOI: 10.12968/vetn.2021.12.2.58.
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