title: Flea (Pulex simulans) infestation in captive giant anteaters (Myrmecophaga tridactyla).
abstract: A pair of captive adult giant anteaters (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) presented heavily infested with a flea species (Pulex simulans) commonly found on Virginia opossums (Didelphis virginiana) and raccoons (Procyon lotor) in the central United States. In this case, the flea was demonstrated to have completed its entire life cycle with the anteaters as the host. A single treatment of topical imidacloprid, coupled with removal and replacement of infested bedding, was rapidly effective at controlling the infestation and no adverse effects of the drug were noted. Control of the anteater infestation also removed the flea infestation of aardvarks in the same building.
authors.affiliation: Rolling Hills Wildlife Adventure, 625 North Hedville Road, Salina, Kansas 67401, USA.
authors.forename: Adrian G
authors.initials: AG
authors.lastname: Mutlow
authors.forename: Michael W
authors.initials: MW
authors.lastname: Dryden
authors.forename: Patricia A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Payne
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000836:Animals, Zoo; D004478:Ectoparasitic Infestations / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000469:parasitology / Q000662:veterinary*; D005260:Female; D005430:Floors and Floorcoverings; D007093:Imidazoles / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007306:Insecticides / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D000073943:Neonicotinoids; D009574:Nitro Compounds; D005423:Siphonaptera / Q000254:growth & development*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D004490:Xenarthra / Q000469:parasitology*
chemical_list: D007093:Imidazoles; D007306:Insecticides; D000073943:Neonicotinoids; D009574:Nitro Compounds; C082359:imidacloprid