Australian Homes hopping with flea Epidemic
Pastor Dale Morgan
Australian Homes hopping with flea Epidemic*
January 17, 2007 09:46am
Article from: AAP
AUSTRALIA - HUMID, mild weather has sparked a wave of flea infestations
in homes across the country.
Australian Veterinary Association president Kersti Seksel said many
holidaymakers were returning to homes full of fleas.
The parasitic pests lay dormant while the home was empty, hatching only
when they sensed movement then multiplying rapidly.
"This is why people returning from holidays can experience large and
sudden flea infestations in their house," Dr Seksel said.
Treating fleas was essential to prevent the spread of other diseases,
not just to remedy the discomfort to pets and owners, she said.
"Many cats and dogs are allergic to flea saliva, meaning that only a
small amount of exposure is enough to trigger severe scratching and
biting," Dr Seksel said.
"Amongst the other problems they cause, fleas are an intermediate host
for tapeworms."