Figure 1. Flea dirt and adults from flea combing infested cat

Current parasitological threats in the UK

Cat fleas are thriving in the UK with recent mild winters and wet, warm summers allowing prolonged survival and favourable breeding conditions in outdoor environments. Central heating also allows...

Figure 1. Dermacentor reticulatus showing the extent of its ornate scutum in unfed female (left) and male (right) ticks.

Ticks and tick-borne diseases of pets in the UK: risks to travellers

Hard ticks are so called because of a hard scutum or shield on their dorsal surface (Figure 1). The scutum covers the whole of the surface of the male tick but only one third (when unfed) or a small...