Fleas Discovered On Capital Area Cats

A pestilence virtually unheard of in Iceland has struck Reykjavík area cats: fleas.

The parasitic insect normally does not fare well in Iceland. This is due to the climate, but also due to the strict controls placed on importing pets to the country. Despite this, RÚV now reports that fleas have been found on capital area cats.

The Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority (MAST) says that the number of cats in the greater Reykjavík area found to have fleas has increased, and there is a strong likelihood that fleas have spread to an even greater extent than we are currently aware of.

To combat this, MAST has asked all the veterinarians in the country to take samples from every dog or cat that is brought in from March 14 to 28 due to skin conditions.

In the meantime, cat and dog owners who believe their pets may have fleas are asked to get in contact with a vet immediately. The medication that can get rid of fleas is not found in pet stores here, but vets can provide effective treatment against the pest.