Southeast U.S. "hotbed" for heartworms, warns AHSApril 11, 2023An influx of heartworm-positive dogs across the U.S. and a general lack of prevention compliance are the driving factors behind the uptick in heartworm cases. This is according to the American Heartworm Society (AHS). The group has unveiled its 2022 Heartworm Incidence Map, drawn from data provided by thousands of veterinary practices and shelters across the U.S. The numbers show the locales with highest heartworm incidence continue to be those in and adjacent to the lower Mississippi Delta, AHS reports. These areas typically experience conditions fostering widespread heartworm infection, including, among other factors, a mosquito-heavy climate. "The states with the highest density of diagnosed heartworm cases in the latest survey were Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, Alabama, and Arkansas," says AHS president Jennifer Rizzo, DVM. "Meanwhile, Arkansas, Mississippi, Texas, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, and the Carolinas all saw expansions of high-density areas on our incidence map." Additionally, the report shows "unexpected increases" in incidence for states with historically low heartworm rates, including Washington, Oregon, Kansas, North Dakota, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. These areas also saw the development of new "hot spot" areas within their borders. Further, several urban cities (including Seattle, Wash., and Boise, Idaho, in the Northwest; Bismarck, N.D., in …
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Don't let parasites tick you offMarch 21, 2023Proper pairing of a pet’s lifestyle to the most appropriate preventative can be helpful in narrowing down your options for flea and tick control. Keep geography in mind when determining which medications you offer in the clinic vs. strictly online.
How to boost your flea and tick complianceMarch 16, 2023You advise protecting pets year-round from fleas and ticks, but pet owners average six doses per year.
VBD screening critical to pet healthMarch 10, 2023Ticks can spread a variety of diseases. As their range expands throughout the country, it becomes more difficult to avoid encountering these adaptable parasites. With forecast maps from the Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC) showing alarming changes in the regional distribution of vector-borne disease (VBD), the increased risk also poses new challenges for veterinary professionals.
Heartworm survey aims to educate on deadly diseaseFebruary 3, 2023Veterinarians from across the U.S. are asked to submit data from their clinics to be included in the 2022 American Heartworm Society (AHS) Heartworm Incidence Survey.
Hookworms are becoming resistant to treatment—what now?December 22, 2022Hookworm cases are on the rise, not just in the South, where warm and humid conditions provide a perfect environment for them. In 2018, the prevalence of hookworms (Ancylostoma caninum) was just four percent in dogs across the country. Three years prior, it was only two percent, meaning, it had risen by almost 50 percent in that period.
Leptospirosis in dogs and catsOctober 20, 2022Regrettably, whether one considers leptospirosis “emerging,” “endemic,” or a combination of the two, this pathogen is an ongoing global One Health concern.
UpTICKS in tick-borne disease riskJuly 25, 2022Tick-borne disease in dogs and cats is almost entirely preventable. Client education is needed to inform about the risk to pets associated with different tick species, canine and kitty lifestyles, importation concerns, and travel (particularly as summer advances). Public health (i.e. human) risks surrounding ticks and tick-borne disease is also now part of our veterinary One Health accountability, in addition to preventing ticks on pets.
VPN Plus+ ExclusiveIdentifying and assessing large animal zoonosesJune 30, 2022July 6 is World Zoonoses Day and now, more than ever, awareness of these diseases is vital. Zoonoses, as you know, are diseases that are able to pass between people and animals. Education and knowledge of such diseases are important for not just the practitioner’s and veterinary health care team’s overall wellbeing but also being able to impart such information to our clients should their pet or animal be diagnosed with a zoonotic disease.
Council reports more parasite perils in 2022May 26, 2022In its spring 2022 report, CAPC warned vector-borne diseases will pose higher-than-average risks across most of the U.S.
