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Rise in heartworm cases prompts warning
‘Veterinary professionals need to be vigilant for exotic parasites entering the UK in imported dogs.'

Number of infected imported dogs ‘likely to increase’

A reported rise in enquiries about heartworm in dogs has prompted a warning about rescue dogs being imported to the UK.

ESCCAP UK & Ireland says there have been five heartworm cases in the past four weeks, not just in dogs from endemic countries in Europe, but also the US, Mauritius and Brazil.

Head of ESCCAP Ian Wright said veterinary professionals should be vigilant for exotic parasites in imported animals.

He explained: ’The increased numbers of dogs imported from Southern and Eastern Europe combined with the parasite spreading through Eastern Europe means that numbers of positive imported dogs are only likely to increase over the coming months and years.

‘Veterinary professionals need to be vigilant for exotic parasites entering the UK in imported dogs. This spike in heartworm cases is another example of the wide range of pathogens that might be encountered and the increasing risk to individual pets and owners as well as wider UK biosecurity as a result.’ 

Concerns over imported disease have been growing since the Pet Travel Scheme rules were relaxed in 2012.

Cases of imported disease over the past two years include babesiosis, canine ocular thelaziosis, tongue worm and Brucella canis. In March this year, there was also a confirmed case of leishmaniasis in an untravelled dog, which is thought to have contracted the disease from an imported dog.

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Survey launched to investigate EHV

News Story 1
 Zoetis has launched a new survey to identify management techniques for Equine Herpes Virus (EHV).

EHV is a contagious, airborne virus that can cause respiratory problems and severe diseases in horses and ponies. It spreads among horses over short distances, direct contact and through shared equipment.

The survey will explore current knowledge and management practices with EHV in the UK. It is quick to complete and participants could win one of 10 equine first aid kits.

Complete the survey here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
WSAVA launches pet travel guidance factsheet

A new pet travel guidance factsheet for veterinary professionals and caregivers has been developed by the WSAVA in collaboration with the World Veterinary Association.

The Dog and Cat Welfare During Transport factsheet provides step-by-step guidance for all stages of a journey, from pre-travel checklists to post-travel care.

Brachycephalic breeds or animals prone to travel-related anxiety are given special focus in this guide, which also provides links to IATA container regulation and WSAVA vaccination guidelines.