Spring parasite update
Abstract
Spring has sprung and brought with it a whole host of beasts (from the East), pests (from the West) and parasites…from all directions! But what are this season's hot topics and is 2018 showing different trends to last year?
The key themes in 2017 were closely linked to the publication of data or events of significance to UK human or pet health, for example new cases of exotic disease in the UK or large study results such as the Big Tick Project.
Spring 2018 brought its usual array of parasite challenges, but exactly how does 2018 compare to 2017? Figure 1 provides an overview of the enquiries received by ESCCAP UK & Ireland from pet owners and professionals alike in January to March 2018 and for the same period of 2017.
Enquiries regarding exotic parasites such as Leishmania spp., Ehrlichia canis, Linguatula serrata and Babesia spp. were fuelled in spring 2017 by the 2016 outbreak of Babesia canis in Essex. Although enquiry numbers did subside over the winter, the autumn 2016 babesiosis case in Romford still served as a reminder to remain vigilant for exotic parasites. Large number of dogs imported with E. canis and several cases of L. serrata prompted an increase in enquiries about the treatment and prevention of these parasites.
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