[1] Echidnophaga gallinacea also differ in anatomy compared to the cat flea due to lacking genal and pronotal combs known as ctenidia.

Providing a solid concrete floor for poultry nesting will eliminate organic matter required for life cycle development.

[1][6][11] For human infection, removal of Echidnophaga gallinacea can be done through tweezers, antihistamines and topical steroids can be applied to reduce itching and swelling.

[2] Fleas (Siphonaptera) such as Echidnophaga gallinacea, range from 2–6 millimetres in length and have bodies which are flattened laterally or appear compressed horizontally when viewed from above.

[11][1][14] Echidnophaga gallinacea differs from the common dog and cat flea by lacking combs on the back of its head, as well as having two hairs behind the antennae.

These spines allow Echidnophaga gallinacea to remain lodged within the hosts feathers or hair even when scratched or pulled on without proper force.

[8] Eggs are released by the female Echidnophaga gallinacea at night, either into the ulcers created by the flea due to attachment and feeding, or they fall to the ground.

[9] The shedding of eggs onto the ground promotes an increase spread of offspring, these may be picked up by animals and transported to areas which are uncommon for infestation.

[9] An example of this is the Florida Scrub-Jay, which was found to feed amongst rural poultry and became infested in small areas causing decreased life expectancy.

[8] The physical shape of the egg allows it to travel into areas which may not always be checked providing important protection such as between cracks in floors, between cages or amongst nests.

[16] The newly emerged Echidnophaga gallinacea will use common cues amongst fleas to locate a host, these are movement, body heat and carbon dioxide.

[9] Echidnophaga gallinacea have been documented to exist worldwide in tropical and subtropical climates, as well as temperate zones ranging from Canada to Australia.

[6][2][7] As Echidnophaga gallinacea requires organic matter for development, the most common areas of infestation are free range, rural or backyard farms.

[11][7] Uninhabited areas such as marshlands, woods or nature reserves have been reported to become infested with Echidnophaga gallinacea by feeding wildlife on rural properties with poultry.

When the animal is free from infestation, a thin layer of petroleum jelly may be applied to inhibit further attachment and protect sores which are exposed to prevent infection occurring.

[6][11][1] All organic matter such as hay, litter and bedding must all be removed and burnt to stop Echidnophaga gallinacea from re-infesting the decontaminated area.

[2] Topical steroids and oral antihistamines can be used to treat symptoms of itching and help prevent damaged skin as well as reducing the chance of secondary infection.

[5] Echidnophaga gallinacea prefer to target host areas which are void of hair and fur, for chickens this is the eyes, comb and wattle.

[1][2] The constant feeding can also cause ulcerations to the skin of the host as well as dermatitis, which can lead to excessive blood loss resulting in anaemia and death.