Fleas, a scratchy problem. Fleas are one of the most important ectoparasites of companion animals. Professor Ken Baker of the Department of Small Animal Clinical Studies originally developed a method for generating large quantities of pure saliva from fleas. This subsequently formed the basis of a research project which was undertaken by Dr Paul Torgerson , Professor Baker and Dr Janet Fox . The technique was optimised and the saliva generated was used to investigate the immunopathological responses to flea saliva in dogs and to develop a prototype in vitro diagnostic assay to help in the diagnosis of flea-bite hypersensitivity.
Large animals are an unusual host for fleas.
The most interesting finding is that the flea on ruminants in Libya is a separate subspecies of flea Ctenocephalides felis strongylus . Investigation into the salivary antigens of the Ctenocephalides species. Flea infestations of large animals. Proceedings of the British Veterinary Dermatology Study Group Spring Meeting . Flea dermatitis and flea hypersensitivity, the current situation in Ireland.