ARCHIVES
VOL. 10, ISSUE 2 (2025)
Prevalence of ectoparasites found in cats (Felidae, Felis catus) of Imphal east and west districts of Manipur, India
Authors
Anju Pangambam, Bikendra Elangbam, Cynthia Phijam, Joymati Laishram
Abstract
Free-ranging domestic cats Felidae, (Felis
catus) can potentially play host to some life-threatening zoonotic
pathogens including ectoparasites such as fleas, and lice. These ectoparasites
are capable of transmitting zoonotic diseases. The present investigation has
undertaken by examining of altogether 105 Cats (Felis catus) which were
captured, 55 cats from Imphal east and 50 cats from Imphal west, for a period
of one year November 2023 up to October 2024), were tested for presence of
ectoparasites in the Parasitology laboratory, Department of Zoology
Dhanamanjuri University, Imphal, Manipur, India. The cats were examined and
their ectoparasites were removed from their skin by forceps and combing for
five minutes for each cat. Ectoparasites were stored in 70% ethanol and brought
to the laboratory and later mounted for identification of species, using
species identification keys. The cats were collected from the study areas of
different localities of Imphal east and West districts of Manipur. Among all
captured cats, 32 cates were infected in Imphal west (64%) and 37 cats from
Imphal East (67.27%) were infected with around 220 ectoparasites and the
average infection rate was 3.19. Two arthropod species were identified,
including four fleas species (89.69%) and two louse species (12.67%). The three
flea species included Ctenocephalides felis (39.68%) Ctenocephalides canis
(30.15%), Xenopsylla nubica (15.87%). The two louse species was Heterodoxus
spiniger (7.93%) and Heterodoxus longitarsus (6.45%). Based on the
findings, Ctenocephalides felis was the most common ectoparasite species
(39.76%). Fleas were the most prevalent ectoparasites on Felis catus,
with the highest prevalence, observed for Ctenocephalides felis.
Due to the large and growing population of cats and the high risk of transmission
of common diseases between humans and cats, as well as the high contact and
communication of people with cats, we were encouraged to study the
ectoparasites of cats in 26 different localities of two different Districts of
Imphal, which is an important urban areas of Manipur, India. The prevalence of
ectoparasites among pet cats indicated that Cats were more susceptible to
ectoparasite infestation. Only few of the respondents knew about the
ectoparasites and diseases caused by them. The present study determined that
high prevalence of parasites, and the low level of public awareness is the
fundamental reason behind pet related zoonotic disease. Extensive public
education about pet related zoonoses is needed to create awareness in public
and to reduce the risk of harbouring zoonotic diseases of public health
importance.
Download
Pages:25-32
How to cite this article:
Anju Pangambam, Bikendra Elangbam, Cynthia Phijam, Joymati Laishram "Prevalence of ectoparasites found in cats (<i>Felidae, Felis catus</i>) of Imphal east and west districts of Manipur, India". International Journal of Entomology Research, Vol 10, Issue 2, 2025, Pages 25-32
Download Author Certificate
Please enter the email address corresponding to this article submission to download your certificate.