[01] Muhammad Sarwar, National Institute for Biotechnology & Genetic Engineering (NIBGE), Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan. [02] Arfa Rauf, Allied Hospital- Punjab Medical College, Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan.

Agricultural animals (those used for production of food and fibre- livestock) and companion animals (pets such as dogs and cats) may be affected by arthropod pests. Insects as veterinary ectoparasites have a significant impact on the health, wellbeing and productivity of their animal vertebrate hosts. These impacts can be either direct, through tissue damage and blood loss, or indirect, through their role as vectors of viral, bacterial, protozoa and helminth pathogens. A second category of indirect effects are those that result from the alteration of host behaviour induced by arthropod attack and blood-feeding activity. So, the present article aims to contribute fundamental scientific knowledge in the areas of insects as veterinary ectoparasites and also the processes ensuring to the public for underlying the protection from biting and diseases borne. The insect ectoparasites include flies (Diptera), lice (Mallophaga), fleas (Siphonaptera) and bugs (Hemiptera). These insects have a profound impact on the health of animals by causing annoyance, inflicting bites and stings, and transmitting of diseases. Animals can be greatly annoyed by the presence and activity of certain insects. For example, cattle will bunch up and put their lowered heads together to seek relief when fly strike is severe; scratching may be symptoms of fleas or lice; and head shaking may indicate the presence of insects in ear. Animal owners or veterinarians may make medical judgments on the basis of symptoms caused by insects to use as a basis for management decisions. These pests often must be managed, controlled or prevented to improve the living conditions, health and wellbeing of animals. Early pests detection can reduce or prevent the discomfort that would be caused by the insects. When preventive methods are not sufficient to keep nuisance species away, animal owners can choose the methods which have low health and environmental impacts. The principles of integrated pest management (IPM) apply to the operational practice of pest control for animals, whether the pests are actually on the animals or in the environment the animals occupy. Integrated pest management strategies include biological, cultural, mechanical, physical, chemical (pesticides), use of resistant breeds, sanitation in the animal’s environment and legal quarantines to prevent spread of pests. Always consult a licensed veterinarian to find or identify the pest problem and never attempt a diagnosis that should be made by a veterinarian.

Veterinary Entomology, Blood-Feeding, Disease Potential, Insect Parasite

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