Greenwood Wildlife Rehabilitation Center
Parasitology
Fleas
Fleas are one of the more common parasites found on new patents at Greenwood. This sectioin covers flea ID, life cycle, transmittable zoonoses, and treatment.
Lice
Lice are a wingless parasite with over 3,000 species. This section covers lice life cycle, differentiating between chewing lice and sucking lice, symptoms, and treatment.
Mites
Mites affect both mammals and avians and are a member of Arachnidae. This section covers their life history, symptoms, and treatment.
Ticks
Another arachnid, ticks have 8 legs and 2 body parts. They can pass on many diseases. This section covers tick life history, diseases, and treatment.
Flat Flies
Flat flies are obligate sanguinivores (blood "eaters") common on wildlife. This section covers their unique life history and treatment.
Carnid Fly
These common flies are also sanguinivores. This section covers their life history and treatment.
Quiz
This quiz is 7 questions long and covers information from the fleas, lice, mites, ticks, flat flies, and carnid flies lessons.
Flea Treatment
Identifying flea infestation
- Defining characteristics: Large back legs and “neck plate.” Usually lying on side when mounted on a microscope slide.
2. Host Symptoms: Annoying bites that itch.
What does the presence of fleas tell us about the patient?
- If the patient is a baby, flea infestation can confirm it is an orphan. The mother will keep babies free from fleas in the wild.
- If the patient is an adult, it confirms the animal is somehow compromised. Healthy animals will keep fleas in check.
Treatment
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including gowns, gloves, and flea spray are worn by staff during course of treatment. Flea powder will be administered upon intake. It will be re-administered every time the bedding is changed. If infestation is severe, oral anti-parasitic will be given every 14 days.
P.O. Box 18987
Boulder, Colorado, 80308
Phone: (303) 823-8455
If you have a wildlife EMERGENCY, or a question about a wild animal, please call (303) 823-8455
© 2020 Greenwood Wildlife Rehabilitation Center
