(Appeared in Veterinary Practice News)

The American Heartworm Society is accepting study applications in a move to expand what is known about heartworm disease.

Wilmington, Delaware—Here’s a message for cat owners wondering what to get their favorite feline this holiday: give the gift of heartworm protection.

“Cat toys and treats are great gifts, but heartworm prevention is something no cat should be without,” declares veterinarian and American Heartworm Society President Dr. Stephen Jones. “It’s easy and affordable—and it can save a cat’s life.”

(Appeared in Parasites & Vectors)

First epidemiological report of feline heartworm infection in the Barcelona metropolitan area (Spain)

The metropolitan area of Barcelona is the most densely populated metropolitan area on the Mediterranean coast. Several studies have reported the presence of canine heartworm disease in this region; however, there are no published epidemiological data regarding feline heartworm in this region and the prevalence in this species remains unknown. 

The Los Angeles Vector Control recently announced that a mosquito species from Australia has been found in southern California. The species is the Aedes notoscriptus, also known as the "Aussie Mozzie,” and it was previously undocumented in the U.S. This discovery is of interest to veterinarians and pet owners because of the mosquito’s ability to vector heartworm in the U.S., should it become prevalent.

(Appeared in Veterinary Practice News)

Monthly medication can stop heartworm disease from taking hold in dogs, the American Heartworm Society notes.

Blame mosquitoes first, but dog owners share responsibility for Alabama having the highest rate of heartworm disease in the nation in 2013, the American Heartworm Society reported Wednesday.

Every three years, the American Heartworm Society (AHS) gathers data on heartworm testing to understand the impact heartworm is having nationwide, as well as in specific regions. Testing data from thousands of veterinary practices and shelters is used to create a detailed map showing the average number of heartworm-positive cases per clinic.

The new map, which reflects data from the 2013 calendar year, shows that heartworm is widespread in many areas of the country. Download it today and check out the incidence of heartworm in your practice area. You can also compare the 2013 map to past maps from 2001-2010.

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words About Heartworm.

A clear understanding of the heartworm life cycle is vital in getting clients on board with year-round prevention, and pet owners who understand the rationale for your heartworm prevention and treatment recommendations are more likely to comply. Understanding, however, may require more than a verbal explanation of how heartworms are transmitted and develop.

It's spring, and your schedule is booked with patients getting their annual exams, heartworm tests and heartworm prescription renewals.

And because April is also Heartworm Awareness Month, it's a prime opportunity to promote the importance of year-round protection for both dogs and cats. A new series of posters from the American Heartworm Society (AHS) uses compelling images and messages to remind pet owners that providing heartworm prevention is one of the most important—and most loving—things they can do for their pets.

Adulticide supplies are available for heartworm-positive dogs.

Reports about supplies of melarsomine have been in the news recently, which may be raising questions about whether supplies of the product are adequate. The news reports were triggered by a bulletin from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that announced their decision to approve a supply of product from Europe for use in the U.S. This was done to help ensure product availability until a supply of U.S.-made product is available.

(Appeared in Veterinary Economics)

You may be surprised to find the incidence of this often-fatal disease is higher than you think—even in your practice.

“You won’t find it if you’re not looking for it.” That’s what Dr. Robert Stannard, owner of Adobe Pet Hospital in Livermore, Calif., and secretary-treasurer for the American Heartworm Society, tells veterinarians when he’s asked about feline heartworm disease.