Flea Biology and Control, Softcover reprint of the original 1st ed. 2001 The Biology of the Cat Flea Control and Prevention with Imidacloprid in Small Animals

The book describes in great detail the complex life cycle of fleas based on the example of the cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis), the most important ectoparasite worldwide. Besides being the cause of painfully itching bites and allergic skin diseases, it is also a vector for viruses, bacteria, nematodes and cestodes. The control of flea infestation has become a great market segment in animal health over the years. Insecticides of the new generation should not only fight the existing infestation (therapy), but should also effectively prevent new infestations for weeks (prophylaxis). The latest class of chemicals developed to this effect are chloronicotinyls (syn. Neonicotinoides). Imidacloprid is the first member of this class of insecticides with a high selectivity towards the site of action within an insect. Applied to the skin it combats flea infestation persistently. The book describes the development of the compound from its discovery to its use in veterinary medicine. Netscape Navigator, CD-ROM drive

1 Introduction.- 2 General Morphology.- 3 Taxonomy.- 4 Dissemination and Economic, Veterinary and Medical Importance.- Origin and Distribution.- Economic Importance.- Veterinary Importance.- Medical Importance.- 5 Developmental Cycle of Fleas.- Eggs.- Larvae.- Pupae.- Preemerged Adults.- Adults.- 6 Flea Epidemiology.- 7 Flea-Related Dermatitis.- Flea Bite Dermatitis.- Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD).- Clinical Signs.- Differential Diagnosis of FAD.- Histopathological Findings.- Immunopathogenesis of FAD.- Diagnosis of FAD and Flea Bite Dermatitis.- Treatment of Flea-Related Skin Diseases.- Adjunctive Medical Therapy.- Hyposensitization.- Treatment of the Premises.- Indoor Treatment.- Outdoor Treatment.- 8 Resistance.- 9 Imidacloprid.- History of Imidacloprid.- Chemical Properties of Imidacloprid.- Biological Profile, Mode of Action and Direct Insecticidal Activity.- Biological Profile.- Mode of Action and Direct Insecticidal Activity.- Indirect Insecticidal Effects.- Resistance of Sucking Pests Against Imidacloprid.- Toxicology and Pharmacology of Imidacloprid.- Symptomatology of Insects.- Pharmacology of Imidacloprid.- Pharmacokinetics and Metabolism of Imidacloprid.- Toxicology of Imidacloprid.- Toxicology of Imidacloprid 10% Spot-on.- Tolerability of Imidacloprid 10% Spot-on in Dogs and Cats.- Ecological Effects and Ecotoxicological Studies.- Safety Assessment for Humans.- Imidacloprid as a Veterinary Product for Flea Control.- Clinical Efficacy of Imidacloprid (Advantage®) in Dogs and Cats.- Laboratory Studies in Dogs.- Field Studies in Dogs.- Laboratory Studies in Cats.- Field Studies in Cats.- Comparative Studies (Between Imidacloprid and Other Compounds for Flea Control).- Laboratory Studies.- Field Studies.- Larvicidal Effect of Imidacloprid and Efficacy Enhancement (with PBO).- Larvicidal Effect.- Efficacy Enhancement.- Environmental and Habitual Factors Influencing Imidacloprid Treatment.- Effects of Shampooing and Repeated Water Exposure.- ‘Umbrella Effect’.- Small Domestic Animals.- Rabbits.- Ferrets.- Rodents and Other Small Animals.- Ectoparasitic Spectrum of Activity.- Louse Infestation.- Sheep Ked Infestation.- References.