I was queuing for the cash point recently, casually minding my own business, when the gentleman in front of me started up conversation. Never one to want to appear rude, I obliged him and we discussed the usual; the weather, the economy…and then my work. Well what can I say?! ‘I work in veterinary parasitology’, I obediently told him…and fully expected the blank look of ‘veter-whaty what?’ Instead, I was met with a look of, what could be described as, ‘mild interest’. He went on to surprise me further by telling me that he had recently heard that some parasites can carry other parasites, the example he gave me was of a flea which can transmit worms. I took him to mean Dipylidium caninum, the flea tapeworm, and we had a brief discussion in which the gentleman was both pleased and disgusted that what he had heard was true. Sensing with excitement that I might have someone here willing to listen to my field of interest, I went on to tell him that fleas are not the only parasite vectors, and that ticks are even more renowned for infecting hosts with parasitic diseases. Unfortunately, here is where our conversation ended as we reached the front of the queue.
So far this year the news has been rife with reports of the babesiosis outbreak in Essex. This is not the only parasite-related news story which has reached the national press; stories about Toxocara spp. and lungworm are increasingly being deemed ‘newsworthy’. It's not just animal health that has seen an increase in news reporting, human health has been similarly affected. Documentaries such as ‘Monsters Inside Me’ have raised awareness about human parasitic and infectious diseases. As unwelcome as these incidents are, there is no denying that the increased news coverage has been a much needed helping hand in the ongoing battle to raise awareness about the importance of parasite control.
I, myself, have noticed a significant increase in the number of pet owners' queries that ESCCAP UK & Ireland (a not for profit parasite information and awareness association) are receiving, especially since the news broke of the babesiosis outbreak in the UK. But the queries aren't just about ticks. In fact, we receive queries across the whole spectrum of parasite control; from travel advice, to treatment schedules, to Toxocara spp. contaminated back gardens (the latter being especially interesting as the new resident was not a pet owner, and was worried for the safety of her toddler after hearing of the dangers of toxocarosis). Just today I took a query regarding a dog with unbearably itchy paws…this just goes to show that parasitology is no longer as far back in people's minds at it used to be.
So, the moral of this story: we've all been through the frustrations of talking to the same clientel time and time again about parasite control…don't give up! The message is getting through to pet owners and the public that parasite control is an important consideration for healthier, happier pets and for the wellbeing of humans. As we fast approach prime travelling season, many practices are likely to see a big increase in the number of pet travel consultations. It is essential that we provide consistent messages about parasite control. It's too late to stop Babesia canis canis entering the UK but we can reduce the impact, and it's not too late to stop the entry of many other exotic diseases, including the tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis. Tick treatment is an essential part of any pet's parasite control programme, despite it no longer being a mandatory requirement when travelling. The more that clients can understand their pet's parasite control programmes, the more the message will sink in. If we keep on ticking the right boxes and work together to spread awareness, we are taking huge steps towards the day when parasites will no longer pose such big health concerns to UK pets and owners.