CPD article: Role of cats in human toxocarosis

The two ascarid species that can produce patent infections in domestic cats are Toxocara cati (Schrank, 1788) (syn. Toxocara mystax, Fusaria mystax, Ascaris felis, Ascaris cati, Belascaris mystax, and...

Taking back control

You may feel wobbly inside (and that's okay) but that does not mean this can't be your time to shine. By adopting a role model mindset, you can optimise your health; demonstrate a positive attitude;...

Factors driving lungworm spread and the need for ongoing diagnosis and prevention

A. vasorum has spread rapidly over the past 20 years from endemic foci in Wales, the South West and South East of England across the whole of the UK. Increased reporting of cases has been seen in...

The role of infection control in the prevention of the transmission of feline viruses

It is fortunate that in the present day, most cats will travel to the clinic in a secure carrier that reduces the possibility of patients coming directly into contact with each other. Viruses that are...

Faecal-oral parasite transmission and the veterinary nurse's role in education

Toxocara spp. are a group of intestinal nematodes with species infecting dogs (Toxocara canis) and cats (Toxocara cati), both of which have zoonotic potential. Adult worms lie in the small intestine...

Toxoplasma gondii – the facts

Although T. gondii can infect virtually all warm-blooded hosts, clinical outcome differs. For example, cattle and horses are more resistant than sheep and goats. A few examples are cited here in...

Ectoparasites in captive reptiles

With most species of mites dwelling on the skin surface, heavy infestations are seldom found in wild reptile specimens because the ecdysis process (skin shedding) provides sporadic removal of the mite...

A heart-breaking disease: how to prevent lungworm infection

Angiostrongylosis is notorious for its non-specific clinical manifestations, occasionally asymptomatic nature, and prolonged course—features that add complexity to the diagnosis of this disease....

Current parasitological threats in the UK

Cat fleas are thriving in the UK with recent mild winters and wet, warm summers allowing prolonged survival and favourable breeding conditions in outdoor environments. Central heating also allows...

Flea and fly bite hypersensitivity: what every nurse needs to know

This disease has a simple pathophysiology (Figure 1). Once the flea starts feeding, the flea's saliva compounds act as proteinic antigens or haptens (incomplete antigens), which when combined with the...

The flea reproductive break point — what it is and how it is pivotal for successful flea control

The success of cat fleas and their dominance over other species of flea on domestic pets hinges on three factors..

What you need to know about Babesia canis

B. canis is transmitted to dogs when ticks take a blood meal. When a tick feeds on an infected host, B. canis stages penetrate the gut of the tick, multiply and migrate. Sporozoites are then...

Lyme disease: a growing UK threat?

Lyme disease was first identified as a distinct medical condition in the town of Lyme in Connecticut, USA, from where it gains its name. Lyme disease is now recognised as a widespread disease in...

The Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) and parasite protection for the travelling pet

PETS was introduced by the European Parliament in 2000 to allow the UK and some other European countries stricter travel controls than the rest of the EU. In January 2012, PETS was updated in line...

Canine angiostrongylosis: an update

Historically, A. vasorum distribution has been characterised by a number of highly endemic areas, and low or zero prevalence outside those areas in foxes (Morgan et al, 2008), and few or no cases in...