A Survey on Fauna of Fleas (Order: Siphonaptera) of Cow and Sheep in Southern Khorasan-e-Razavi Province, Iran

Background: Fleas are wingless insects belonging to the Siphonaptera order (named because of their siphon-like mouthparts). Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the abundance and fauna of the fleas that are the carrier pathogen in the South of Khorasan-e-Razavi province. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, for catch the fleas of cow and sheep were used 3 methods such as: light trap, sticky trap, and human bite. Results: A total number of 580 fleas from Gonabad and Bajestan cities were collected that all species were Pulex iritans. Thirty five percent fleas were collected from cow and 65% from sheep. Conclusions: Considering that fleas are carrier pathogens and tend to feed on human blood, which is offered periodically at different seasons, barn spraying with appropriate insecticide was performed.