Autumn parasite review

So far in 2020 we have seen large numbers of rescued cats and dogs imported from abroad and the numbers of dogs entering the country with heartworm and Leishmania infantum infections is currently high. These pets can also harbour a wide range of parasites including tick-borne pathogens, Mesocestoides spp., Dirofilaria repens and Thelazia calliapeda. Many of these parasites are zoonotic with the potential for establishment in the UK.

The past few months, especially, have seen a resurgence of positive Leishmania spp. and heartworm cases in imported dogs in practice. This may be because of the large numbers of new pets purchased and adopted in lockdown, many from abroad. The high numbers of imported cases emphasise the need for screening imported dogs for both Leishmania spp. and heartworm, as well as vigilance for relevant clinical signs and early diagnosis.

The RSPCA and ESCCAP UK & Ireland have published protocols for assessing cats imported into the UK as rescues from abroad (Whitfield and Wright, 2020). While imported rescue cats are not as common as dogs, there is still the possibility of them introducing exotic pathogens that may affect them, their new owners and UK biosecurity. A consistent approach of clinical examination and testing can help to recognise exotic infection early and ensure appropriate monitoring or treatment is implemented.