Growing numbers of pets are at risk of contracting heartworm, Lyme, ehrlichiosis and anaplasmosis.
Pets can run, but they can’t hide from mosquitoes and ticks, the vectors for several preventable diseases.
The Companion Animal Parasite Council reported in its annual forecast that the risk of heartworm disease, Lyme disease and two other tick-borne illnesses is higher than usual in many areas of the United States in 2021. The nonprofit foundation, made up of parasitologists, veterinarians and other health experts, emphasized the need to test for common diseases and prescribe year-round preventive medications to keep pets healthy.
“Over the years, we’ve seen the risk for parasitic diseases continue to increase and expand into areas that have had historically lower prevalence,” said the organization’s CEO, Christopher Carpenter, DVM.
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