Species composition and host preference of fleas (Insecta: Siphonaptera) on rodent and domestic animals in Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract

The species composition and host preference of medically important fleas monitored in urban, semi-urban, and rural revealed 412(65%) and 222(35%) fleas. From urban and rural habitats 90 and 345 fleas were collected respectively. There was a significant difference between urban and rural habitats in flea abundance. From rodents and domestic animals 209 (33%) Xenopsylla cheopis, 203 (32%) X. astia and 222 (35%) Ctenocephalides felis fleas were recorded. Fleas were predominantly found on Rattus rattus 45(83.3%) and Canis familiaris 31(83.8%). Among the habitats, there was no significant difference in rodent flea positivity and dog/cat flea positivity.