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Sponsored by Merck Animal Health
The opportunity to educate clients on the real risk of parasites during the winter is beneficial for patients and practices alike. Clients underestimate the duration of ectoparasite risk, and more than 20% of pet owners believe year-round prevention is unnecessary.1
Clients already have a lot to remember this winter; make ectoparasite control one less thing to forget.
Fleas
For extended periods, fleas—normally intolerant to cold, dry environments—can persist through winter and find new hosts via two measures2:
Ticks
Unprotected pets are still at risk during winter months, especially during unexpected warm spells. Ticks do not typically die in cold weather; instead, they simply enter a dormant stage.
Ixodes scapularis—the black legged tick or deer tick and vector of Lyme disease—ranges into southern Canada3 and may stay active as late as December.4 Even then, I scapularis has been found to quest January through March in New York during isolated warm days when temperatures reach above 40°F (4°C)5; in other studies, the species has been shown to quest at temperatures as low as 30.9°F (-0.6°C).6 Dermacentor variabilis becomes active as early as February.4
The Brown Dog Tick, or Rhipicephalus sangineus, is minimally impacted by the outdoor environment.7 It has the widest geographic range of any tick (including the entire continental United States); it is a vector of zoonotic diseases such as babesiosis, ehrlichiosis, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever; and it can parasitize dogs as well as humans, cats, rabbits, and birds.7
The Brown Dog Tick can complete its entire life cycle exclusively on dogs, reproducing in and around homes and kennels, infesting heated buildings year-round.4 While these enclosed environments shield the species from outdoor environmental variables, this tick is also more tolerant to changes in temperature and humidity than other species.7 Because nymphs and adults of this species release from their hosts at night, ticks may be found crawling on carpets, walls, furniture, and places where dogs sleep—including clients’ beds.6,8
Some cold weather infestations are the result of non-treated pets that were exposed during warm months. If clients believe that cold weather alone will kill all ectoparasites on their pet, leaving them otherwise untreated through the winter months, they may find infestation worsens as parasite life cycles continue unimpeded indoors. Cooler temperatures may actually prolong some parasite life cycles2,9 and delay resolution of infestation. There are additional risks to discontinuing preventative measures; for example, dogs intermittently exposed to fleas may be more symptomatic than dogs continuously exposed to fleas.10
Inconsistent ectoparasite burdens among pets in the same household can confuse clients, who may not understand that patient age, breed, or patient sex7,8 can contribute to variable parasite burdens in an infested home. Unless all pets are appropriately treated, infestation can persist.
Environmental and ecological changes are impacting parasite life cycles. Endemic ranges for several medically important ticks are expanding, including Ixodes scapularis3 and Amblyomma americanum.4 Global variation in temperature and humidity may affect where ticks live, their population size, and how often they bite humans.3,7-9 Habitat modification and host species recolonization also play important roles.3,4 Changing temperatures could also expand fleas’ geographic ranges.11 Clients and clinicians should stay current on evolving ectoparasite risks and can reference resources from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC).
The determination of whether clients give safe, effective flea and tick control correctly and consistently becomes challenging if they use over-the-counter ectoparasiticides. Veterinary-exclusive products allow clients and medical teams to more easily:
Although 73% of general practice clients think they should administer flea and tick prevention year-round, only 13% actually purchase enough product to do so.1 Lengthening re-dosing intervals can improve adherence in human and veterinary medicine for a variety of therapeutics. Clients prefer administering flea and tick preventive every 12 weeks (vs monthly dosing) by a margin of 9 to 1. Clients also feel this product would make them less likely to miss doses,13 resulting in longer coverage and fewer coverage lapses.
Emerging research, changing geographic factors, and new treatment options provide opportunities to reopen client discussions around parasite prevention. Improving year-round adherence to flea and tick prevention can make patients healthier, clients happier, and practices more profitable. What is good for patients is good for the practice.
Sponsored by Merck Animal Health
Which tick causes infestations year-round inside heated buildings?
Ixodes scapularis (black-legged or deer tick)
Dermacentor variablis (American dog tick)
Rhipicephalus sanguineus (brown dog tick)
Amblyomma americanum (Lone Star tick)
The correct answer is C.
Rhipicephalus sanguineus (brown dog tick) can complete its entire life cycle exclusively on the dog in and around homes and kennels. These protected environments buffer its lifecycle from environmental impacts.
Dryden MW, Payne PA. Biology and control of ticks infesting dogs and cats in North America. Vet Ther. Summer 2004;5(2):139-154.
Gray J, Dantas-Torres F, Estrada-Pena A, Levin M. Systematics and ecology of the brown dog tick, Rhipicephalus sanguineus. Ticks Tick Borne Dis. 2013;4:171-180.
The correct answer is C.
Rhipicephalus sanguineus (brown dog tick) can complete its entire life cycle exclusively on the dog in and around homes and kennels. These protected environments buffer its lifecycle from environmental impacts.
Dryden MW, Payne PA. Biology and control of ticks infesting dogs and cats in North America. Vet Ther. Summer 2004;5(2):139-154.
Gray J, Dantas-Torres F, Estrada-Pena A, Levin M. Systematics and ecology of the brown dog tick, Rhipicephalus sanguineus. Ticks Tick Borne Dis. 2013;4:171-180.
Correct.
Rhipicephalus sanguineus (brown dog tick) can complete its entire life cycle exclusively on the dog in and around homes and kennels. These protected environments buffer its lifecycle from environmental impacts.
Dryden MW, Payne PA. Biology and control of ticks infesting dogs and cats in North America. Vet Ther. Summer 2004;5(2):139-154.
Gray J, Dantas-Torres F, Estrada-Pena A, Levin M. Systematics and ecology of the brown dog tick, Rhipicephalus sanguineus. Ticks Tick Borne Dis. 2013;4:171-180.
The correct answer is C.
Rhipicephalus sanguineus (brown dog tick) can complete its entire life cycle exclusively on the dog in and around homes and kennels. These protected environments buffer its lifecycle from environmental impacts.
Dryden MW, Payne PA. Biology and control of ticks infesting dogs and cats in North America. Vet Ther. Summer 2004;5(2):139-154.
Gray J, Dantas-Torres F, Estrada-Pena A, Levin M. Systematics and ecology of the brown dog tick, Rhipicephalus sanguineus. Ticks Tick Borne Dis. 2013;4:171-180.
Which is not true regarding the winter survival of Ctenocephalides-felis fleas?
Small mammals ( eg, opossums, raccoons) serve as reservoirs
Development is delayed during colder temperatures.
Pupae can survive months slightly above freezing at 33.8°F (1°C).
Pre-emerged adult fleas remain in their cocoon.
The correct answer is C.
No life stage of the flea can survive more than 5 days at 33.8F (1°C); however, they can survive the winter by slowing their development at various stages in protected microclimates, including by remaining as pre-emerged adults in cocoons that further help them resist environmental conditions. Untreated dogs, cats, and small mammals including opossums and raccoons also serve as reservoirs.
Rust MK, Dryden MW. The biology, ecology, and management of the cat flea. Annu Rev Entomol. 1997;42:451-73.
The correct answer is C.
No life stage of the flea can survive more than 5 days at 33.8F (1°C); however, they can survive the winter by slowing their development at various stages in protected microclimates, including by remaining as pre-emerged adults in cocoons that further help them resist environmental conditions. Untreated dogs, cats, and small mammals including opossums and raccoons also serve as reservoirs.
Rust MK, Dryden MW. The biology, ecology, and management of the cat flea. Annu Rev Entomol. 1997;42:451-73.
Correct.
No life stage of the flea can survive more than 5 days at 33.8F (1°C); however, they can survive the winter by slowing their development at various stages in protected microclimates, including by remaining as pre-emerged adults in cocoons that further help them resist environmental conditions. Untreated dogs, cats, and small mammals including opossums and raccoons also serve as reservoirs.
Rust MK, Dryden MW. The biology, ecology, and management of the cat flea. Annu Rev Entomol. 1997;42:451-73.
The correct answer is C.
No life stage of the flea can survive more than 5 days at 33.8F (1°C); however, they can survive the winter by slowing their development at various stages in protected microclimates, including by remaining as pre-emerged adults in cocoons that further help them resist environmental conditions. Untreated dogs, cats, and small mammals including opossums and raccoons also serve as reservoirs.
Rust MK, Dryden MW. The biology, ecology, and management of the cat flea. Annu Rev Entomol. 1997;42:451-73.
What percentage of clients prefer 12-week dosing over monthly dosing?
69%
79%
89%
99%
The correct answer is C.
Pet owners prefer dosing flea and tick prevention every 12 weeks by 9 to 1.
Lavan RP, Armstrong R, Normile D, Zhang D, Tunceli K. Results from a U.S. dog owner survey on the treatment satisfaction and preference for fluralaner against flea and tick infestations. J Vet Sci Technol. 2017;8:439.
The correct answer is C.
Pet owners prefer dosing flea and tick prevention every 12 weeks by 9 to 1.
Lavan RP, Armstrong R, Normile D, Zhang D, Tunceli K. Results from a U.S. dog owner survey on the treatment satisfaction and preference for fluralaner against flea and tick infestations. J Vet Sci Technol. 2017;8:439.
Correct.
Pet owners prefer dosing flea and tick prevention every 12 weeks by 9 to 1.
Lavan RP, Armstrong R, Normile D, Zhang D, Tunceli K. Results from a U.S. dog owner survey on the treatment satisfaction and preference for fluralaner against flea and tick infestations. J Vet Sci Technol. 2017;8:439.
The correct answer is C.
Pet owners prefer dosing flea and tick prevention every 12 weeks by 9 to 1.
Lavan RP, Armstrong R, Normile D, Zhang D, Tunceli K. Results from a U.S. dog owner survey on the treatment satisfaction and preference for fluralaner against flea and tick infestations. J Vet Sci Technol. 2017;8:439.
The majority of pet owners do not associate dosing flea and tick control every 12 weeks with
Convenience
Improved flea protection
Being easier to remember
Fewer months of coverage per year
The correct answer is D.
Approximately 65% of pet owners feel they are more likely to remember to give a 12-week product on time compared with a monthly product. In the same study, 72% of respondents found the product convenient; 54% felt pets are less likely to get fleas with this product; and 92% felt this treatment would allow them to protect their pet for the same or more months out of the year than monthly coverage.
Lavan RP, Armstrong R, Normile D, Zhang D, Tunceli K. Results from a U.S. Dog Owner Survey on the Treatment Satisfaction and Preference for Fluralaner against Flea and Tick Infestations. Journal of Veterinary Science & Technology. 8:3 2017.
The correct answer is D.
Approximately 65% of pet owners feel they are more likely to remember to give a 12-week product on time compared with a monthly product. In the same study, 72% of respondents found the product convenient; 54% felt pets are less likely to get fleas with this product; and 92% felt this treatment would allow them to protect their pet for the same or more months out of the year than monthly coverage.
Lavan RP, Armstrong R, Normile D, Zhang D, Tunceli K. Results from a U.S. Dog Owner Survey on the Treatment Satisfaction and Preference for Fluralaner against Flea and Tick Infestations. Journal of Veterinary Science & Technology. 8:3 2017.
The correct answer is D.
Approximately 65% of pet owners feel they are more likely to remember to give a 12-week product on time compared with a monthly product. In the same study, 72% of respondents found the product convenient; 54% felt pets are less likely to get fleas with this product; and 92% felt this treatment would allow them to protect their pet for the same or more months out of the year than monthly coverage.
Lavan RP, Armstrong R, Normile D, Zhang D, Tunceli K. Results from a U.S. Dog Owner Survey on the Treatment Satisfaction and Preference for Fluralaner against Flea and Tick Infestations. Journal of Veterinary Science & Technology. 8:3 2017.
Correct.
Approximately 65% of pet owners feel they are more likely to remember to give a 12-week product on time compared with a monthly product. In the same study, 72% of respondents found the product convenient; 54% felt pets are less likely to get fleas with this product; and 92% felt this treatment would allow them to protect their pet for the same or more months out of the year than monthly coverage.
Lavan RP, Armstrong R, Normile D, Zhang D, Tunceli K. Results from a U.S. Dog Owner Survey on the Treatment Satisfaction and Preference for Fluralaner against Flea and Tick Infestations. Journal of Veterinary Science & Technology. 8:3 2017.
The brown dog tick Rhipicephalus sanguineus reproduces indoors even during the winter. Which of the following does it NOT transmit?
Anaplasma platys
Babesia canis
Borrelia burgdorferi
Ehrlichia canis
The correct answer is C.
The brown dog tick is an important vector for several important infectious diseases; however, Borrelia burgdorferi is primarily spread by ticks of the Ixodes genus.
Dryden MW, Payne PA. Biology and control of ticks infesting dogs and cats in North America. Vet Ther. Summer 2004;5(2):139-154.
The correct answer is C.
The brown dog tick is an important vector for several important infectious diseases; however, Borrelia burgdorferi is primarily spread by ticks of the Ixodes genus.
Dryden MW, Payne PA. Biology and control of ticks infesting dogs and cats in North America. Vet Ther. Summer 2004;5(2):139-154.
Correct.
The brown dog tick is an important vector for several important infectious diseases; however, Borrelia burgdorferi is primarily spread by ticks of the Ixodes genus.
Dryden MW, Payne PA. Biology and control of ticks infesting dogs and cats in North America. Vet Ther. Summer 2004;5(2):139-154.
The correct answer is C.
The brown dog tick is an important vector for several important infectious diseases; however, Borrelia burgdorferi is primarily spread by ticks of the Ixodes genus.
Dryden MW, Payne PA. Biology and control of ticks infesting dogs and cats in North America. Vet Ther. Summer 2004;5(2):139-154.
Ixodes scapularis may survive (although with some biologic functions impaired) temperatures as low as:
48.2°F (9.0°C)
39.2°F (4.0°C)
30.9°F (-0.6°C)
3.2°F (-16°C)
The correct answer is D.
Dependent on other seasonal adaptability, Ixodes scapularis may survive temperatures well below freezing. The tick has been shown to quest for hosts at temperatures slightly at or below freezing, although activity increases with increased temperature.
Duffy DC, Campbell SR. Ambient air temperature as a predictor of activity of adult Ixodes scapularis (Acari: Ixodidae). J Med Entomol. 1994;31(1):178-180.
The correct answer is D.
Dependent on other seasonal adaptability, Ixodes scapularis may survive temperatures well below freezing. The tick has been shown to quest for hosts at temperatures slightly at or below freezing, although activity increases with increased temperature.
Duffy DC, Campbell SR. Ambient air temperature as a predictor of activity of adult Ixodes scapularis (Acari: Ixodidae). J Med Entomol. 1994;31(1):178-180.
The correct answer is D.
Dependent on other seasonal adaptability, Ixodes scapularis may survive temperatures well below freezing. The tick has been shown to quest for hosts at temperatures slightly at or below freezing, although activity increases with increased temperature.
Duffy DC, Campbell SR. Ambient air temperature as a predictor of activity of adult Ixodes scapularis (Acari: Ixodidae). J Med Entomol. 1994;31(1):178-180.
Correct.
Dependent on other seasonal adaptability, Ixodes scapularis may survive temperatures well below freezing. The tick has been shown to quest for hosts at temperatures slightly at or below freezing, although activity increases with increased temperature.
Duffy DC, Campbell SR. Ambient air temperature as a predictor of activity of adult Ixodes scapularis (Acari: Ixodidae). J Med Entomol. 1994;31(1):178-180.
Pet owners from what US region are least likely to believe their pet needs year-round tick and flea prevention?
Northeast
South
Central
West
Correct.
In every US region, at least 20% of pet owners believe year-round prevention is unnecessary; the rate in the US Northeast is even higher at approximately 46%. It is important to emphasize that pets face year-round risks; a good example to discuss includes the brown dog tick, which can survive indoors during winter months and has a geographic range that covers the entire continental US.
Lavan RP, Armstrong R, Normile D, Zhang D, Tunceli K. Results from a U.S. Dog Owner Survey on the Treatment Satisfaction and Preference for Fluralaner against Flea and Tick Infestations. Journal of VeterJinary Science & Technology. 8:3 2017.
The correct answer is A.
In every US region, at least 20% of pet owners believe year-round prevention is unnecessary; the rate in the US Northeast is even higher at approximately 46%. It is important to emphasize that pets face year-round risks; a good example to discuss includes the brown dog tick, which can survive indoors during winter months and has a geographic range that covers the entire continental US.
Lavan RP, Armstrong R, Normile D, Zhang D, Tunceli K. Results from a U.S. Dog Owner Survey on the Treatment Satisfaction and Preference for Fluralaner against Flea and Tick Infestations. Journal of VeterJinary Science & Technology. 8:3 2017.
The correct answer is A.
In every US region, at least 20% of pet owners believe year-round prevention is unnecessary; the rate in the US Northeast is even higher at approximately 46%. It is important to emphasize that pets face year-round risks; a good example to discuss includes the brown dog tick, which can survive indoors during winter months and has a geographic range that covers the entire continental US.
Lavan RP, Armstrong R, Normile D, Zhang D, Tunceli K. Results from a U.S. Dog Owner Survey on the Treatment Satisfaction and Preference for Fluralaner against Flea and Tick Infestations. Journal of VeterJinary Science & Technology. 8:3 2017.
The correct answer is A.
In every US region, at least 20% of pet owners believe year-round prevention is unnecessary; the rate in the US Northeast is even higher at approximately 46%. It is important to emphasize that pets face year-round risks; a good example to discuss includes the brown dog tick, which can survive indoors during winter months and has a geographic range that covers the entire continental US.
Lavan RP, Armstrong R, Normile D, Zhang D, Tunceli K. Results from a U.S. Dog Owner Survey on the Treatment Satisfaction and Preference for Fluralaner against Flea and Tick Infestations. Journal of VeterJinary Science & Technology. 8:3 2017.
Which of the following has been proposed as a mechanism for expanding ectoparasite ranges?
Increasing temperature
Changing precipitation patterns
Reintroduction of host species
All of the above
The correct answer is D.
There are many factors that can impact the geographic range and population size of ectoparasite populations, including temperature, precipitation and humidity, forestation and habitat destruction, human population density (urban/rural), and the prevalence of adequate host species.
Gray J, Dantas-Torres F, Estrada-Pena A, Levin M. Systematics and ecology of the brown dog tick, Rhipicephalus sanguineus. Ticks Tick Borne Dis. 2013;4:171-180.
Gage KL, Burkot TR, Eisen RJ, Hayes EB. Climate and vectorborne diseases. Am J Prev Med. 2008;35(5):436-450.
Parmenter RR, Yadav EP, Parmenter CA, Ettestad P, Gage KL. Incidence of plague associated with increased winter-spring precipitation in New Mexico. Am J Trop Med Hyg. 1999;61(5):814-821.
Ogden NH, Bigras-Pulin M, O’Callaghan CJ, et al. A dynamic population model to investigate effects of climate on geographic range and seasonality of the tick Ixodes scapularis. Int J Parasitol. 2005;35(4):375-389.
Dryden MW, Payne PA. Biology and control of ticks infesting dogs and cats in North America. Vet Ther. Summer 2004;5(2):139-154.
Dantas-Torres F. The brown dog tick, Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Latreille, 1806) (Acari:Ixodidae): from taxonomy to control. Vet Parasitol. 2008;152:173-185.
The correct answer is D.
There are many factors that can impact the geographic range and population size of ectoparasite populations, including temperature, precipitation and humidity, forestation and habitat destruction, human population density (urban/rural), and the prevalence of adequate host species.
Gray J, Dantas-Torres F, Estrada-Pena A, Levin M. Systematics and ecology of the brown dog tick, Rhipicephalus sanguineus. Ticks Tick Borne Dis. 2013;4:171-180.
Gage KL, Burkot TR, Eisen RJ, Hayes EB. Climate and vectorborne diseases. Am J Prev Med. 2008;35(5):436-450.
Parmenter RR, Yadav EP, Parmenter CA, Ettestad P, Gage KL. Incidence of plague associated with increased winter-spring precipitation in New Mexico. Am J Trop Med Hyg. 1999;61(5):814-821.
Ogden NH, Bigras-Pulin M, O’Callaghan CJ, et al. A dynamic population model to investigate effects of climate on geographic range and seasonality of the tick Ixodes scapularis. Int J Parasitol. 2005;35(4):375-389.
Dryden MW, Payne PA. Biology and control of ticks infesting dogs and cats in North America. Vet Ther. Summer 2004;5(2):139-154.
Dantas-Torres F. The brown dog tick, Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Latreille, 1806) (Acari:Ixodidae): from taxonomy to control. Vet Parasitol. 2008;152:173-185.
The correct answer is D.
There are many factors that can impact the geographic range and population size of ectoparasite populations, including temperature, precipitation and humidity, forestation and habitat destruction, human population density (urban/rural), and the prevalence of adequate host species.
Gray J, Dantas-Torres F, Estrada-Pena A, Levin M. Systematics and ecology of the brown dog tick, Rhipicephalus sanguineus. Ticks Tick Borne Dis. 2013;4:171-180.
Gage KL, Burkot TR, Eisen RJ, Hayes EB. Climate and vectorborne diseases. Am J Prev Med. 2008;35(5):436-450.
Parmenter RR, Yadav EP, Parmenter CA, Ettestad P, Gage KL. Incidence of plague associated with increased winter-spring precipitation in New Mexico. Am J Trop Med Hyg. 1999;61(5):814-821.
Ogden NH, Bigras-Pulin M, O’Callaghan CJ, et al. A dynamic population model to investigate effects of climate on geographic range and seasonality of the tick Ixodes scapularis. Int J Parasitol. 2005;35(4):375-389.
Dryden MW, Payne PA. Biology and control of ticks infesting dogs and cats in North America. Vet Ther. Summer 2004;5(2):139-154.
Dantas-Torres F. The brown dog tick, Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Latreille, 1806) (Acari:Ixodidae): from taxonomy to control. Vet Parasitol. 2008;152:173-185.
Correct.
There are many factors that can impact the geographic range and population size of ectoparasite populations, including temperature, precipitation and humidity, forestation and habitat destruction, human population density (urban/rural), and the prevalence of adequate host species.
Gray J, Dantas-Torres F, Estrada-Pena A, Levin M. Systematics and ecology of the brown dog tick, Rhipicephalus sanguineus. Ticks Tick Borne Dis. 2013;4:171-180.
Gage KL, Burkot TR, Eisen RJ, Hayes EB. Climate and vectorborne diseases. Am J Prev Med. 2008;35(5):436-450.
Parmenter RR, Yadav EP, Parmenter CA, Ettestad P, Gage KL. Incidence of plague associated with increased winter-spring precipitation in New Mexico. Am J Trop Med Hyg. 1999;61(5):814-821.
Ogden NH, Bigras-Pulin M, O’Callaghan CJ, et al. A dynamic population model to investigate effects of climate on geographic range and seasonality of the tick Ixodes scapularis. Int J Parasitol. 2005;35(4):375-389.
Dryden MW, Payne PA. Biology and control of ticks infesting dogs and cats in North America. Vet Ther. Summer 2004;5(2):139-154.
Dantas-Torres F. The brown dog tick, Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Latreille, 1806) (Acari:Ixodidae): from taxonomy to control. Vet Parasitol. 2008;152:173-185.
Cold Weather Flea and Tick Control Quiz
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