Heartworm – Spread of the Disease

Until recently there was relatively little data on the spread of dirofilariasis (heartworm disease). It was thought that around 3–4% of the dog population was affected. Recent studies have revealed a serious reservoir for this parasitosis – jackals.

In cats, a certain proportion of cases diagnosed as feline asthma turn out to be dirofilariasis. Dirofilaria (the heartworm) is a parasitic disease affecting dogs, cats and ferrets.

Diagnosis is made with rapid blood tests, a blood smear, radiography and echocardiography. Treatment is hard, long, risky and expensive.

Fortunately, prevention is easy.

Monthly administration of products that kill the microfilariae, together with the use of repellents, is an effective enough way to break the cycle of infection.