Fleas are important arthropods that can transmit diseases to humans and animals. Proper identification of this insect is necessary to determine appropriate control and prevention measures. From 29^th May to 2^nd June, Mr. Tojo RAMIHANGIHAJASON from the Institut Pasteur de Madagascar visited Cambodia to provide training on flea identification and slide mounting techniques. Personnel from IPC, the General Directorate of Animal Health and Production (GDAHP), and the Royal University of Agriculture (RUA) participated in this training.

The participants examined flea specimens collected from different hosts such as dogs, cats, chickens, and bats in Cambodia. They also performed long-term preservation of flea specimens by mounting them on microscope slides using permanent mounting medium.

The trainees benefited from the Institut Pasteur de Madagascar’s (IPM) unique expertise in flea identification. Madagascar’s medical entomology unit is one of the few in the world to have this expertise.

We are delighted to see the enthusiasm of the participants. This level of engagement among health partners is crucial for public health and vector-borne disease surveillance in Cambodia. Thank you to everyone who was involved in the training!