Epidemiological and molecular characterisation of flea infestations in dogs and cats in mainland Portugal.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Fleas are major ectoparasites of dogs and cats, with significant veterinary and public health implications. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of flea infestation in dogs and cats in mainland Portugal, identify associated risk factors and perform morphological and molecular characterisation of flea specimens.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted from March 2022 to February 2023 in mainland Portugal. Dogs and cats were screened for flea infestations at veterinary clinics and shelters following World Association for the Advancement of Veterinary Parasitology guidelines. Fleas were morphologically identified to species level, and a subset was characterised molecularly via phylogenetic analysis of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit II gene (cox2) seque

SUBMITTER: Pereira A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12229001 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature