Background
Flea-borne diseases affect cat health and the cat-human bond worldwide, and recently epidemics of re-emerging flea-borne diseases have been linked to cats. Of particular concern are two zoonotic bacteria listed as priority pathogens by the National Institutes of Health – Bartonella and Rickettsia species – that are the most common pathogens found in Ctenocephalides felis (the cat flea) in the United States. Free-roaming domestic cats are a particularly high-risk population for flea-borne pathogens, living at the interface between humans, other pets, wildlife, and the parasites that infest all these animals, and with limited access to veterinary care.
In ticks and mosquitos, ecological factors like geography and climate, as well as vector-related factors like the microbial communities present in the vectors, are known to affect pathogen colonization and transmission. In contrast, little remains known about the risk factors associated with C. felis pathogen carriage.
To address this gap, we have established FleaNet, a nationwide network established to collect fleas from cats and dogs from across the continental United States. Using this biobank, researchers can determine the presence and abundance of pathogens like Bartonella, Rickettsia, or even tapeworms or novel viruses. By collecting survey data from flea collectors, we will also be able to evaluate associations between pathogen carriage and specific ecological, socioeconomic, and vector-related factors. FleaNet will ultimately allow us to systematically evaluate potential driving factors for pathogen colonization of these ubiquitous but understudied vectors, informing our ultimate quest to prevent transmission of potentially deadly pathogens to both pets and their people.
Want to get involved?
- If you work with free-roaming cats or in trap-neuter-return, we are actively enrolling collaborators to systematically count and sample fleas from free-roaming cats starting summer 2023. More information and a submission form for potential enrollment can be found on our Google Form here, or by emailing Nandita Chittajallu (chittajallu [at] wisc [dot] edu).
- If you work with dogs and cats – whether in veterinary medicine or another animal care field – and would like more information on how you can submit fleas or be part of this research, please email Dr. Lashnits (lashnits [at] wisc [dot] edu).
- Public outreach including crowdsourcing fleas directly from pet owners: coming soon!
Thanks to our funding sources for making FleaNet happen!
UW-Madison Companion Animal Fund and NIH CTSA One Health Alliance
