Prevalence of fleas on dogs in Anambra State of Nigeria.

An examination of 338 dogs for fleas in Anambra State revealed that 28.7% of the dogs were infested. While 2.1% of the dogs harboured the poultry flea Echidnophaga gallinacea, 26.3% harboured the dog flea Ctenocephalides canis. It was considered that Ctenocephalides canis could be of great public health significance in this area in view of the high population of the flea. Elimination of the flea was therefore recommended. The populations of fleas on dogs in other areas and the distribution of Ctenocephalides species of veterinary importance in Nigeria are briefly discussed.