Heartworm Alert

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ANIMAL HEALTH ALERT

Heartworm in Los Angeles County Pets

This year, there has been an increase in heartworm cases being reported to the Los Angeles County Veterinary Public Health & Rabies Control Program (see attached update). Heartworm, a parasitic infection spread by mosquitoes, can infect both dogs and cats. The disease has been fairly rare in Los Angeles County, with most pets becoming infected when they travel to heartworm enzootic areas in the country. However, this year, our program has received 16 heartworm reports from local veterinarians, with 10 of the pets appearing to have contracted the disease locally. Some of the owners declined treatment, raising the concern that these pets might serve as a local reservoir for infection. Also, coyotes may become local reservoirs if infected.

We would like to remind veterinarians to report all heartworm cases (please use attached Heartworm Report Form). Evaluate your patients for the need for heartworm preventative medication, and educate your clients about how to reduce the number of mosquitoes around their homes. Pets should not be left outside when mosquitoes are present.

If you have any questions, please contact us at 877-747-2243 or 562-401-7088. Completed case reports may be faxed to 562-401-7112. Thank you for your assistance with local animal disease surveillance.

Karen Ehnert, DVM, MPVM

Senior Veterinarian

County of Los Angeles

Department of Public Health

Veterinary Public Health & Rabies Control

562-401-7088

kehnert@ph.lacounty.gov

CLICK HERE for Heartworm Update October, 2009

Veterinarians CLICK HERE for Heartworm Report Form