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Rodent fleas are considered as principal vectors for plague transmission in rodent population and
human. In total 744 rodent-fleas were collected from 1960 rodents from various placesof Kolar district of
Karnataka (KA) andChittoor districtof Andhra Pradesh (A. P.), South India.Analysis done on 22 soil
samples collected from various areas of both the districts.Soilsamples of two districts exhibited variation
in texture and color. Most of the soil samples were found to be acidic in nature (pH range 4.5 to 6.5).
86% samples had less nitrogen content,23% samples had lesspotassium content and 9% samples had less
phosphorous content. The organic carbon contentwas less in all places. However, 50% samples had high
potassium content and 77% samples were high phosphorous content.Mainly two types of rodent fleas,
Xenopsylla astia and X. cheopis were found in these areas. The percentage of female rodent fleasis
generally considered as a good indicator for the fast growing population of rodent fleas.Breeding season
for fleas mostly depended on climatic conditions like temperature below28oC and humidity above 70%.
However, fleas can survive in shady areas athigher temperature. Wide diversity in soil characteristics
and breeding of rodent fleas throughout the year reflected that other factors like optimum
humidity,temperature and abundance of food inside the burrows as well as outsidewere also helpfulfor
the survival and growth of rodent fleas.
Keywords: Plague, Rodent fleas, Soil physical and chemical characteristics,Xenopsylla spp.