1934 ANNUAL REPORT, 1933 17 



SYMPTOMS 



Since the fleas are visible to the naked eye and can be seen moving in 

 all directions, especially when the guard fur is parted, a diagnosis is a 

 simple matter. 



When fleas are particularly plentiful around the head and shoulders the 

 fur in these areas may become thin and very gritty to the touch. 



The skin tends to become scurfy, red and itritated. If the fox rubs 

 against objects in the pen infected sores may result. 



Scratching is a prominent symptom if the foxes are not aware that 

 they are being observed. If foxes are aware of the presence of people 

 around the ranch they will often cease scratching. Heavily infested animals 

 may become listless and drawsy, and fall rapidly in weight. 



Occasionally small, white, red-like objects may be seen lying on the fur. 

 These objects are flea eggs which drop to the ground and if favorable con- 

 ditions are met with they ultimately develop into adult fleas. 



TREATMENT 



Treatment must be energetic to be successful. Two main objectives 

 must be kept in view, namely the killing of the adult flea on the fox and 

 the destruction of the immature stages. 



A number of satisfactory preparations are on the market for this 

 purpose; those containing powdered derris root will be found to be quite 

 affective. Treatment must be repeated at ten day intervals until the last 

 flea is killed. 



When dusting foxes the entire body should be thoroughly powdered 

 and special attention paid to the head, base of the neck and shoulders. 



As it is necessary to restrain the fox while applying powder by either 

 holding him around the neck with the hand or tongs, the neck and mane 

 may escape from being thoroughly dusted, but as this area is often heavily 

 infested careful treatment of same is essential. 



Dipping in solutions of 2 per cent, coal-tar pieparations is also very 

 effective. If this treatment is used, the fox should be thoroughly rinsed in 

 clear water after dipping as it is found that such preparations have a 

 tendency to rust the fur. 



If the skin presents a scurfy condition they may be corrected by 

 washing the affected parts with a good liquid soap, the soap being thor- 

 oughly washed out. 



Dipping is not recommended in cold or changeable weather and should 

 be undertaken during the summer and early fall. 



It is not sufficient to merely kill the adult fleas infesting the body of 

 the fox. It is most essential that the immature stages be destroyed. The 

 immature stage is passed in dirt, grass, bedding materials, kennels, and in 

 fact in any environment which will provide suitable conditions for their 

 development. 



The kennels and floors of the pens must be thoroughly treated with one 

 of the coal-tar preparations and the treatment repeated within ten days. 

 It is advisable to repeat this treatment at least three times. 



A saturated solution of common salt is also found to be very effective 

 in destroying the immature stages. All bedding material should be re- 

 moved and burned. 



