Comparison of Flea (Siphonaptera) Burdens on the Endangered San Joaquin Kit Fox (Vulpes macrotis mutica (Carnivora, Canidae)) Inhabiting Urban and Nonurban Environments in Central Valley, California.
J Med Entomol
; 55(4): 995-1001, 2018 06 28.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-29546382
ABSTRACT
The San Joaquin kit fox (Vulpes macrotis mutica Merriam (Carnivora, Canidae)) is an endangered small carnivore endemic to the San Joaquin Valley of California. Commercial and agricultural land expansion has contributed to the species' decline and invasion of more cosmopolitan species, providing means for potential ecological shifts in disease vector and host species. Fleas are common ectoparasites that can serve as important indicators of cross-species interactions and disease risk. We compared flea load and species composition on kit foxes inhabiting urban and nonurban habitats to determine how urbanization affects flea diversity and potential disease spillover from co-occurring species. We identified Echidnophaga gallinacea (Westwood) (Siphonaptera, Pulicidae) and Pulex spp. (L.) in both urban and nonurban populations, and Ctenocephalides felis (Bouche) (Siphonaptera, Pulicidae) only in the urban population. Flea load scores differed significantly across capture sites and with respect to concomitant sarcoptic mange infestation in the urban population, with milder flea infestations more typical of healthy foxes. All observed flea species are known vectors for pathogens that have been detected in mesocarnivores. Further examination of kit fox fleas and their associated pathogens will help to direct conservation and disease preventive measures for both wildlife and humans in the region.
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Contexto em Saúde:
3_ND
/
4_TD
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Escabiose
/
Infestações por Pulgas
/
Sifonápteros
/
Raposas
Tipo de estudo:
Prevalence_studies
/
Prognostic_studies
/
Risk_factors_studies
Limite:
Animals
País/Região como assunto:
America do norte
Idioma:
En
Revista:
J Med Entomol
Ano de publicação:
2018
Tipo de documento:
Article