Abstract

Objective: To access the emerging ectoparasites associated with rodents of Razan plain, Iran. Methods: Host (Apodemus sylvaticus) was collected by live trap in November 2011. The fleas isolated from infested specimen were cleared in 10% aqueous potassium hydroxide, dehydrated in ethanol, cleared in xylene, mounted in Canada balsam and identified using reliable keys. Results: Eight fleas (3 males, 5 females) were collected from Apodemus sylvaticus in Razan plain, Western Iran. The fleas were identified as Leptopsylla taschenbergi taschenbergi. Conclusions: Fleas are vectors of several important zoonoses for human and wide variety of disease agents for domestic animals. This is the first record of this species from Iran.

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