by Marie Rosenthal

Although heartworm disease has been reported in all 50 states, the AHS survey shows that the Delta, south-central and southeastern regions have the greatest incidence, with prevalence highest in the Delta, where clinics reported 100 or more cases in many counties and parishes.

“These findings tell us that we need to do more to prevent heartworm disease in dogs. As with all cases, education is the key to making a difference in the incidence rates,” said Sheldon Rubin, DVM, president of AHS.

The results are consistent with the geographic spread of heartworm disease, particularly in Oregon and Montana, where large areas that previously reported fewer than one dog diagnosed per clinic rose to between one and five or more dogs. When comparing historic data, the latest survey results demonstrate that overall the number of heartworm cases is gradually rising, which is consistent with reported trends in both 2001 and 2004.

AHS conducts this survey triannually. Sponsors of the 2007 survey included Bayer Animal Health, Fort Dodge, IDEXX, Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health, Lilly, Merial, Novartis Animal Health, Pfizer Animal Health and Virbac Animal Health. Banfield and IDEXX also provided additional data support.

Veterinary Forum April 2009