References

Campbell E, Jones A. Tongue worm in an untravelled dog in the UK. Vet Rec. 2023; 192:(8)337-338 https://doi.org/10.1002/vetr.2979

Fisher MA, Rees B, Capner C, Pritchard S, Holdsworth PA, Fitzgerald RA. A survey of gastrointestinal parasites in dogs illegally entering the UK (2015-2017). Vet Rec Open. 2023; 10:(1) https://doi.org/10.1002/vro2.54

Holding M, Dowall SD, Medlock JM Tick-borne encephalitis virus, United Kingdom. Emerg Infect Dis. 2020; 26:(1)90-96 https://doi.org/10.3201/eid2601.191085

McGrotty Y, Kilpatrick S, Magowan D, Colville R. Canine leishmaniosis in a non-travelled dog. Vet Rec. 2023; 192:(4) https://doi.org/10.1002/vetr.2760

Medlock JM, Hansford KM, Vaux AGC Distribution of the tick dermacentor reticulatus in the United Kingdom. Med Vet Entomol. 2017; 31:(3)281-288 https://doi.org/10.1111/mve.12235

Middlemiss C. Brucella canis in dogs in the UK. Vet Rec. 2021; 188:(4) https://doi.org/10.1002/vetr.227

Mitchell S, Bell S, Wright I Tongue worm (Linguatula species) in stray dogs imported into the UK. Vet Rec. 2016; 179:(10)259-260 https://doi.org/10.1136/vr.i4829

Sands B, Lihou K, Lait P, Wall R. Prevalence of Babesia spp. pathogens in the ticks Dermacentor reticulatus and Ixodes ricinus in the UK. Acta Trop. 2022; 236 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106692

Silvestrini P, Lloyd-Bradley B, Glanemann B Clinical presentation, diagnostic investigations, treatment protocols and outcomes of dogs diagnosed with tick-borne diseases living in the United Kingdom: 76 cases (2005-2019). J Small Anim Pract. 2023; 64:(6)392-400 https://doi.org/10.1111/jsap.13592

Wright I, Cull B, Gillingham EL, Hansford KM, Medlock J. Be tick aware: when and where to check cats and dogs for ticks. Vet Rec. 2018; 182:(18) https://doi.org/10.1136/vr.104649

Parasite roundup for 2023

02 June 2023
8 mins read
Volume 14 · Issue 5
Figure 1. Cutaneous skin lesions associated with Leishmania. Image courtesy of Pedro Serra, Nationwide Labs.

Abstract

Increasing numbers of imported rescue cats and dogs have been seen over the past few years with an associated risk of exotic pathogens entering the UK. This article provides an update on the parasitic infections seen in UK cats and dogs, as a result of changes in climate, habitat and movement of pets.

Parasite distributions in UK cats and dogs continue to be very fluid, with changes in climate, habitat and movement of pets all playing a significant role. Changing conditions in the UK, alongside increases in pet travel and importation, make it difficult to predict where and when pathogens will emerge, and the risk they will pose to UK biosecurity, human and animal health.

Increasing numbers of imported rescue cats and dogs have been seen over the past few years, with an associated risk of exotic pathogens entering the UK. The European Scientific Counsel for Companion Animal Parasites (ESCCAP) UK & Ireland does not support importation where pets can be rehomed in the country of origin. However, ESCCAP UK & Ireland is keen to work with charities to improve screening prior to importation and to raise awareness of the associated issues. ESCCAP UK & Ireland also supports charities working in countries around the world to improve animal welfare and reduce the need for animal relocation.

Register now to continue reading

Thank you for visiting The Veterinary Nurse and reading some of our peer-reviewed content for veterinary professionals. To continue reading this article, please register today.