Heartworm disease is a serious disease that results in severe lung disease, heart failure, other organ damage, and death in pets, mainly dogs, cats, and ferrets. It is caused by a parasitic worm called Dirofilaria immitis. The worms are spread through the bite of a mosquito. 22 авг. 2019 г.
Where are heartworms most common?
The five states with the highest incidence of heartworm were Mississippi, Louisiana, South Carolina, Arkansas, and Alabama. In Mississippi, almost 10% of dogs tested for heartworms were heartworm positive in 2019; in Louisiana, just under 8% of dogs tested were positive.
What animals carry heartworms?
Heartworm disease affects dogs, cats, ferrets, and some wild animals such as wolves, coyotes, and fox. Wild animals are considered important carriers of the disease. The dog is the natural host for heartworms, which means the parasite can mature to adults and produce offspring to continue the life cycle.
Is heartworm more common in dogs or cats?
Heartworm disease is much more common in dogs than in cats. However, recent studies of cats with heart and respiratory diseases have found an incidence of heartworms that is far greater than previously thought.
Is heartworm common in cats?
“Cats rarely/never get heartworm disease.” FACT: Although it is true that the prevalence of disease from adult heartworms is less common in cats than in dogs, it may be more accurate to characterize feline heartworm disease as different from canine heartworm disease, rather than rare.
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