First report of Siphonaptera parasites in Canis latrans in the Flora and Fauna Protection Area, Médanos de Samalayuca Chihuahua, Mexico

Abstract

Siphonaptera are hematophage parasite vectors of both human and animal diseases. We aimed to identify ectoparasites parasitizing a coyote population (Canis latrans) in the northwest region of the Flora and Fauna Protection Area Médanos de Samalayuca, Chihuahua, Mexico. We captured 21 coyotes (15 males and 6 females) during the summer and winter of 2018. The individuals were anesthetized and thoroughly examined for ectoparasites. We found that 43% of the coyotes were infested. Based on characteristics such as the absence of pronotal and genal combs in the head, we identified 15 specimens as Pulex irritans. This is the first report of P. irritans in coyotes in Médanos de Samalayuca Chihuahua, Mexico.