Boppard. The Hirschlausflies (Lipoptena Cervi) is a blood -sucking insect from the family of louse flying. It is not an introduced exotic, but at home in Europe, and its original distribution area extends from Scandinavia to the Mediterranean. Her occurrence was documented in the 20th century, but in recent years it has clearly gained attention. This year seems to be a particularly active year. Due to mild winter and earlier heat periods, deer slope flying has been increasing since June. Usually they only rave about late summer and autumn. Due to the higher temperatures, more larvae can survive the winter, which leads to a stronger population.
Visually, the deer exhaustion is similar to a small parlor fly. It is also often referred to as the “flying tick”, although it is not a tick, but a fly. It is one of the ectoparasites and is about five to seven millimeters tall, has a dark, flattened body, six long, thick legs with barbs and wings. The deer exhaustion actually prefers wild animals such as deer or wild boar, but it is increasing that the fly also selects the dog as a landlord. It is characteristic of the Hirschlausffünge that after the flight onto the landlord, she throws off her wings to hold on to the skin with her six legs and hooks and permanently on the skin.
The Hirschlausflies prefers to live in forests, on forest edges and damp areas. It is particularly active in the summer and autumn months and often appears in swarms. As soon as she has settled on a host, for example on the belly, the inside of the thighs or in the anal area, she can remain up to thirteen months and also give birth to her descendants. Dogs with a long fur or poet are often affected, as the fly has easy to hide here.
A dangerous parasite for the dog?
Yes, the Hirschlausflies can be dangerous and very uncomfortable for dogs:
- The bites are very painful and can cause intensive itching that can drive the dog to despair. He scratches, licks or then bite on the affected areas.
- Pustules, redness, swelling and inflammation can form on the bite points. With persistent scratching, secondary skin infections can develop.
- The quick crawling of the fly through the fur can trigger panic or escape behavior in the dog.
- The hirschlausflinge can transmit the bacterium 'Bartonella Schoenbuchensis'. This causes fever and skin infections in the dog. In rare cases, other pathogens can also be transmitted.
- Some dogs can react allergically to the bites, which can lead to stronger skin reactions.
Danger: People are not sure either! The scalp and neck are popular landing zones. The following can be itchy pustules, inflammation and, in rare cases, even allergic reactions can be. It has not yet been scientifically clarified whether the bacterium 'Bartonella Schoenbuchensis' can also trigger diseases such as heart muscle inflammation.
What to do when infestation?
Unrest, intensive scratching, licking or panic behavior, when the dog is attacked by the little flies, can be an indication of an infestation. In addition to the symptoms such as itchy and swollen skin areas, the bite point can also be bluish or form pustules.
If a deer extinguisher is discovered on the dog, it should be removed quickly.
- The flies can be removed from the fur with a close flea comb.
- A dog bath and thorough fur wash can help, even if the fly has already bitten.
- Once the parasite has settled, a tick pliers, similar to ticks, can be used.
- The affected bite points cool to relieve pain and itching.
- A veterinarian should definitely be consulted for strong skin reactions, continued itching, fever or other signs of illness.
Tip: Due to their speed and firm hold, it can be difficult to remove the parasite. Some swear by “collecting” with adhesive or armored band.
prevention
There are no 100 % protective measures. Report on natural means such as:
- Coconut oil.
- Apple cider vinegar (Diluted 1: 1 with water).
- Suitable essential oils such as lavender, Citronella.
Further measures to minimize the risk of infestation:
- Walking in well-known Hirschlausflausflausflünzen (Dense forests, moist areas) Avoid during the high season.
- Use suitable spot-on preparations or other tick protection agents that also work against hirrain flying.
- Search the dog thoroughly for parasites after every walk in the forest, even on the less hairy places such as belly, inner legs and ears.