Sticktight flea

The Echidnophaga gallinacea, commonly known as the sticktight flea, belongs to the order Siphonaptera and the family Pulicidae. Unlike common cat or dog fleas that jump frequently, this species is sedentary as an adult, burrowing its mouthparts into the host's skin and remaining attached for extended periods.

These pests primarily affect poultry, including chickens, turkeys, and occasionally game birds. They are most commonly found clustered in patches on the bird's head, specifically around the eyes, on the comb, and on the wattles, where the skin is thin and the blood supply is easily accessible.

The life cycle begins when eggs drop from the attached female onto the litter floor. The larvae thrive in organic debris, dust, and droppings. After pupating, the adult fleas emerge and seek out a host to attach to, completing the cycle. The environmental conditions, such as humidity and warmth, play a crucial role in how rapidly the flea population increases in a poultry house.

Damage to the host is severe due to the persistent nature of the attachment. The site of the flea bite often develops into a hard, ulcerated lesion, which can attract flies or lead to secondary bacterial infections. Affected birds suffer from anemia, loss of weight, decreased egg production, and in severe infestations, especially in young chicks, death can occur.

Effective control measures require a combination of sanitation and chemical treatments:

• Thorough cleaning and removal of contaminated litter.
• Application of approved insecticides to the environment and the birds.
• Strict monitoring and quarantine of newly introduced birds.
• Maintaining dry conditions in the coop to hinder larval development.
• Using insect growth regulators to disrupt the flea lifecycle.