Observation on fleas of common domestic mammals in Benin City, Nigeria

Abstract

A Study was conducted on fleas of common domestic mammals in Benin City from April 2001 to April 2002, using handpicking and combing methods. Two species were recorded, Ctenocephalides canis (dog flea) and Ctenocephalides felis (cat flea) amounting to 2,662 specimens; 50.5% (1345) from dogs, 24.9% (662) from cats and 24.6 (655) from goats. 75.4% (2006) of the total flea collected from goats, cats and dogs were Ctenocephalides canis while 24.6% (656) Ctenocephalides felis occurred on cats only. They were more abundant from March – May, being found more around residence of Man and domestic animals.