The flea species that most commonly carries the bacteria Yersinia pestis, which causes the deadly bubonic plague, is Xenopsylla cheopis. This flea, commonly referred to as the rat flea, prefers to live on rodents but can live on your pooch, too, if the flea's usual rodent hosts aren't around.
Fleas and Your Dog
The type of fleas that most commonly infest cats are Ctenocephalides felis. The flea common to dogs is Ctenocephalides canis. Fortunately, while fleas such as the cat flea can carry plague-causing bacteria, they are less effective than Xenopsylla cheopis in the transmission of these deadly microorganisms, according to June 2008 issue of "The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene." All fleas have certain host preferences, but they are opportunistic and will affect other animals in a pinch. This is why Xenopsylla cheopis can affect dogs, cats and people, along with their preferred hosts, rats, according to PetEducation.com.
Preventing Pestilence
Use monthly topical flea-preventative medication on your pup to prevent any fleas from infesting him, especially in areas where rat fleas are prevalent, such as the southwestern United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Seal any openings to your home and keep your yard clean of debris to prevent rodents from nesting in the area, bringing their fleas with them, which could affect your pup.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Plague and Animals
- PetEducation.com: Fleas: Life Cycle, Anatomy & Disease Transmission
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Ecology and Transmission
- The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene: Early-Phase Transmission of Yersinia Pestis by Cat Fleas (Ctenocephalides Felis) and Their Potential Role as Vectors in a Plague-Endemic Region of Uganda
- Biology of Disease Vectors; William H. Marquardt
- Illinois Department of Public Health: Prevention & Control -- Fleas
- North Shore Veterinary Clinic: External Parasites: Fleas
Resources
Writer Bio
Based in Las Vegas, Susan Paretts has been writing since 1998. She writes about many subjects including pets, finances, crafts, food, home improvement, shopping and going green. Her articles, short stories and reviews have appeared on City National Bank's website and on The Noseprint. Paretts holds a Master of Professional Writing from the University of Southern California.