Flea control on pets in southern Africa

Aspects of the biology and life-cycle of the flea which are important to the practising veterinarian are discussed. The "cat flea", Ctenocephalides files is the most prevalent species on dogs and cats in those parts of the world where it has been surveyed. Whether the flea is a temporary or permanent obligatory parasite is still a controversy. The insecticides and product formulations available for flea control in South Africa are reviewed with emphasis on the systematic agent, fenthion. Practical protocols for flea control on dogs and cats are proposed.