Heartworm survey aims to educate on deadly disease

Animal health professionals are being called upon to help educate the public on the ongoing threat of heartworm disease.

Veterinarians 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. The information will be used to create AHS maps, which provide insight regarding trends in heartworm incidence and its spread into new areas of the country.

The maps, dating back to 2001, are generated every three years. They are used by veterinarians, animal shelters, and animal rescue organizations to help educate pet owners about the threat and prevalence of heartworm disease.

The maps, which are built using data submitted by thousands of veterinary practices and animal shelters, also provide insights for veterinary professionals about trends in heartworm incidence and the spread of heartworms into new areas of the country.

“Each veterinary practice that submits data enables the AHS to create a more comprehensive and useful map,” says the society’s president, Jenni Rizzo, DVM. “We urge every practice—large or small—to take a few short minutes to submit their information.”

The deadline to submit survey data is March 15. To participate, click here.