Questionnaire on flea infestation and their control in dogs and cats presented in German small animal practices.

摘要

Questionnaires were sent to a total of 2590 small animal practitioners in Germany, of which 1694 (65.4%) replied. 1186 veterinarians (70%) claimed frequent diagnosis of ectoparasite infestation. Fleas were predominant and occurred in cats (1016, 60%), followed by dogs (424, 25%) and small mammals and birds (254, 15%). Flea infestations in dogs and cats were observed throughout the year, but the prevalences were generally higher during the summer season. The results revealed that topically administered spot-on formulations are the most popular method used for flea control. The most common antiparasitic substances in dogs and cats were, respectively, fipronil (535, 31.6% and 690, 40.7%), imidacloprid (290, 17.1% and 417, 24.6%) and selamectin (267, 15.8% and 319, 18.8%). The medicine was applied by the owners themselves (771, 45.5%), the veterinarian (694, 41%) or the veterinary technician (229, 13.5%). 1457 veterinarians (86%) claimed they also treat the animal's environment..