References
Parasite roundup for 2024
Abstract
The UK parasite landscape has remained very fluid with debate around responsible parasiticide use set against a backdrop of shifting distributions and novel parasite introduction. So, in terms of new information, cases and parasite distributions, what has the past year brought?
Increasing numbers of imported rescue cats and dogs have been seen over the past decade with associated risk of exotic pathogens entering the UK.
The number of Dirofilaria immitis heart-worm cases in imported dogs reported to ESC-CAP UK & Ireland remains high. While mean temperatures in the UK have so far prevented D. immitis establishing, this will become more likely as temperatures rise with global warming. Therefore, vigilance for the parasite is crucial in imported dogs, both for individual prognosis but also to minimise the risk of establishment. This was recently emphasised by the first reported case of macrocylic-resistant heartworm infection in Europe (Traversa et al, 2024). The dog had been imported into Italy from the United States where macrocyclic lactone-resistant D. immitis is focally endemic. Fortunately, the infected dog was diagnosed quickly. Left undetected, this raises the possibility of European mosquitoes being exposed to macrocyclic-lactone resistant D. immitis and local transmission occurring. This includes the UK if temperatures permit transmission.
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