Banfield’s internal research team just completed their latest research effort, which revolved around parasites. We focused primarily on fleas and ticks, but also pulled data on the prevalence and distribution of other parasites as well. Most information confirmed what we already know, for example, that heartworm and fleas are more widespread in the southeastern states or that endoparasites are most common in the spring. Some of the findings were unexpected, namely the difference in prevalence of fleas and tapeworms in cats.
We found that the prevalence of tapeworms in cats is greater than the prevalence of fleas. This seems counterintuitive since tapeworms are transmitted when cats ingest fleas. This probably means two things – first, that cats probably remove most of their visible flea burden when they’re grooming (which makes it more difficult to diagnose flea infestation) and second, that flea control in cats is probably lower on most people’s list of priorities than ideal.
This is potentially important, as tapeworms are zoonotic. It’s no cause for alarm, as the prevalence of all the internal parasites (tapeworms, hookworms, whipworms and roundworms) is low, but it reinforces the point that year round flea, tick and worm prevention is extremely important. It also should remind us of our responsibility as health professionals to discuss zoonotic diseases and how prevention can eliminate disease transmission with our clients.
Have you found the same thing out in practice and how do you approach the subject of regular parasite control? We’d love to get your feedback.
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