'Veterinary professionals must be prepared to see increasing numbers of pets infested with fleas, with increased numbers of fleas per pet' - ESCCAP

Spring Parasite Forecast outlines changing parasite activity 

As global temperatures continue to rise, a new parasite forecast is urging vets to prepare for an increase in pets infested with fleas.

According to ESCCAP (European Scientific Counsel Companion Animal Parasites), rising temperatures combined with limited rainfall will continue to support the rapid increase of fleas.

Over the next five years, the Met Office predicts that temperatures will be between 0.28 degrees celsius and 0.77 degrees celsius warmer than the 1981-2010 average.

‘Veterinary professionals must be prepared to see increasing numbers of pets infested with fleas, with increased numbers of fleas per pet, if adequate control programmes are not put in place,’ the forecast says.

It adds that warmer weather is also likely to favour intermediate host numbers and transmission of A.vasorum.

‘Veterinary professionals should continue to be vigilant for cases of lungworm in their area and advise preventative treatment for high-risk dogs,’ it continues.

ESCCAP’S Parasite Forecast outlines changing parasite activity over the last three months and predicts which parasites may present a risk in the coming months.

Published quarterly, each issue includes the parasite forecast, an analysis of topics which ESCCAP UK & Ireland has received enquiries about and a sample case report outlining a particular parasite or risk.

The current issue (January - March 2017) presents the spring parasite forecast and includes a case report of leishmaniasis in a boxer dog from Italy.

To sign up to future editions of the forecast, email info@esccapuk.org.uk. Each edition will also be published on the ESCCAP website.