Which flea species commonly attack people and livestock?

Several flea species are known to infest and attack both humans and livestock. These include:

• The cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis)
• The human flea (Pulex irritans)
• The dog flea (Ctenocephalides canis)
• The sticktight flea (Echidnophaga gallinacea)
• The jigger, or chigoe, flea (Tunga penetrans)

Additionally, poultry may be parasitized by the European chicken flea (Ceratophyllus gallinae) and, in the United States, by the western chicken flea (Ceratophyllus niger).1

While these species are common, other fleas that typically feed on rodents or birds may also attack people if their primary host is unavailable. Infestations can lead to severe skin inflammation and intense itching, and some individuals may develop allergies to flea bites. Furthermore, certain fleas serve as vectors for serious diseases, such as the Oriental rat flea (Xenopsylla cheopis), which is a primary carrier of the bubonic plague.1