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RISK FACTORS FOR FLEA INFECTION FOR A CANINE POPULATION IN COMMERCE, GA**

Abstract

Fleas are among the most common ectoparasites of companion animals. Depending on the age, weight or breed of canine they are more or less likely to be infected with fleas. Our goal for this project was to see if age, weight, or breed has a factor in the likeliness of infection. We collected fleas from canine patients at a single hospital in Commerce, Georgia. From there, we identified the fleas and recorded the canine patient’s signalment. Overall, we collected information from 288 canine patients, with 36 of them infected by fleas. We collected and identified 323 fleas using a compound microscope. All the fleas were identified as Ctenocephalides felis. Information on canine age, breed, and size was sorted into categories and analyzed using logistic regression. By comparing canine patients with and without fleas, we can determine the importance of age, weight, and breed of the canine to the presence of fleas. This information can be used to inform owners of how susceptible their canine companions are to being infected by fleas.

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