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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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.
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Canine heartworm and Dirofilaria dollar discourseApril 12, 2022Canine heartworm prevention is a common client conversation topic. In the contiguous U.S., the nematode parasite causing heartworm, Dirofilaria immitis, is endemic, and elsewhere (globally) it is an increasing concern due to climate change, subsequent vector (mosquito) abundance, and range expansion.
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What is the cure for heartworm disease in felines?December 1, 2021What is the cure for heartworm disease in felines?
Easing heartworm via 'Friendly Mosquito'September 20, 2021There is a high stakes drama—like something out of a Hemingway novel—playing out on a small island chain in the southernmost continental states.
Pandemic effects on heartworm preventionAugust 9, 2021The COVID-19 pandemic coincided with the traditional beginning of heartworm season last year, leaving some veterinary clinics to make a massive shift from their normal approach with clients.
Heartworm infections likely above average this yearMay 13, 2021CAPC has released its 2021 Parasite Forecast and corresponding 30-day Pet Parasite Forecast maps, alerting veterinarians and pet owners of impending outbreaks across the U.S.
Veterinarians need to stress year-round mosquito controlApril 13, 2021While once considered a disease limited to the southern United States, heartworm infections have now been confirmed in all 50 states.
