Severe cat flea infestation of dairy calves in Brazil.

Abstract

An investigation was conducted into a severe flea infestation on dairy calves. Inspection of the dairy revealed a high infestation of Ctenocephalides felis felis on four calves and thousands of fleas in the stable where cows and calves were brought in for milking. A 3-month-old female calf was highly infested with fleas. The animal showed an evident lethargy, weight loss, as well as pale mucous membranes and dehydration. Hematological analysis revealed anemia, with 10% packed cell volume and a 1.72 x 10(6) microl(-1) erythrocyte count. Blood transfusions were performed and the flea infestation was controlled with 1% fipronil pour-on (1 ml/10 kg). The farmer was advised to treat the other calves with fipronil, remove the manure from the stable and spread 1% propoxur powder (100 g/m2) onto the floor of the stable.

• Authors: F R Araújo, M P Silva, A A Lopes, O C Ribeiro, P P Pires, C M Carvalho, C B Balbuena, A A Villas, J K Ramos
• Journal: Veterinary parasitology (Vet Parasitol) Vol. 80 Issue 1 Pg. 83-6 (Dec 15 1998) ISSN: 0304-4017 [Print] Netherlands
• PMID: 9877075 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Insecticides
• Pyrazoles
• Propoxur
• fipronil

Topics

• Animal Husbandry
• Animals
• Blood Transfusion (veterinary)
• Brazil
• Cattle
• Cattle Diseases (drug therapy, parasitology)
• Ectoparasitic Infestations (drug therapy, parasitology, veterinary)
• Erythrocyte Count (veterinary)
• Female
• Insect Control
• Insecticides (therapeutic use)
• Male
• Propoxur
• Pyrazoles (therapeutic use)
• Siphonaptera