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K-STATE EXPERT SAYS FLEAS CAN BE AN ITCHY SITUATION

MANHATTAN -- Pet owners across the world are itching to know how to get rid of fleas. Many have found getting rid of the pests is easier said than done.

"Fleas and flea control cause an incredible amount of stress and irritation for pets and pet owners," said Michael Dryden, associate professor of veterinary parasitology at Kansas State University's College of Veterinary Medicine.

"Flea control is the second most common expense for pet owners, trailing pet food," he said. "More than $1 billion was spent last year in the United States for flea control. Fleas are a big problem."

Although there are more than 2,200 species of fleas in the world, the flea most common for pets is the cat flea. Approximately 99 percent of the fleas that live on pets in the United States are cat fleas, Dryden said.

"Fleas have long, piercing mouth parts that suck blood from the host," he said. "To prevent blood clots, the fleas inject saliva into the victim before sucking out blood. The saliva creates an allergic reaction which causes pets to itch.

"Fleas can also transport tapeworms and can cause anemia in some pets," he said. "A significant infestation of fleas can actually kill a puppy or kitten."

However, with new products on the market, getting rid of fleas is easier than its ever been. Advantage, Frontline, Program and the newest product, Revolution, are available by prescription and are very effective, Dryden said.

"With these products on the market, there is absolutely no reason to spray, dip or powder your pet for any reason," Dryden said. "The old methods aren't nearly as effective or easy as the new."

Advantage, Frontline and Revolution are all drops that are placed on the neck of the animal once a month. Program is a pill that is given to the animal every 30 days.

"These products are very safe," Dryden said. "There is no reason for the pet owner to be worried about the pet suffering negative side effects if the medication is taken as directed."

Dryden also suggests cleaning carpets after a pet has been treated for fleas. Fleas can live for several weeks or months in carpet. Vacuuming and cleaning carpets can help eliminate most of these. He also recommends emptying the vacuum bag right after vacuuming to get rid of any unhatched eggs picked up by the vacuum.

The research efforts of Dryden and the flea team at K-State have received both national and international recognition. Dryden has appeared in segments on "Good Morning America," "CBS This Morning" and the Discovery Channel.

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November 1999