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Dirofilaria immitis and Angiostrongylus vasorum : epidemiology and impact of major heartworms in carnivores in Portugal
Publication . Alho, Ana Margarida Pignateli Vasconcelos de Assunção; Carvalho, Luís Manuel Madeira de; Belo, Silvana Maria Duarte; Deplazes, Peter
Cardiopulmonary nematodes, Dirofilaria immitis and Angiostrongylus vasorum, are severe and life-threatening parasites that are increasingly reported throughout Europe. However, in Portugal, accurate data on both illnesses is scarce, hampering the awareness and the implementation of effective prevention and control strategies. A multidisciplinary study was therefore designed to characterize and assess the current situation regarding dirofilariosis and angiostrongylosis in carnivores from Portugal. A national survey was conducted to assess the prevalence and distribution of D. immitis and A. vasorum in canine and red fox populations in Portugal, confirming the occurrence of both diseases in canids either from northern, central and southern regions. An overall prevalence of 11.9% and 0.7% dogs, and 8.5% and 12.7% foxes were positive to D. immitis and A. vasorum, respectively. Additionally, a high prevalence of D. immitis was found in pinnipeds kept at an oceanographic park in the Algarve region where the South African fur seal was also reported as a new host for D. immitis infection. DNA of the endosymbiont bacterium Wolbachia pipientis was detected in dogs naturally infected with D. immitis in Portugal. The transmission risk period for Dirofilaria spp. in Portugal was estimated, showing that although transmission is markedly seasonal, the necessary climatic factors are starting earlier and lasting longer than the summer. A new minimally invasive surgical technique was developed to extract D. immitis adult worms from the hearts of dogs through transjugular catheterization with a non-traumatic snare. A questionnaire conducted on Portuguese pet owners showed that the majority deworm their dogs at irregular and consequently ineffective intervals and their level of knowledge about parasites and parasitic diseases is low.
Although exposure may differ depending on the region of Portugal, the likelihood of cardiopulmonary dirofilariosis and angiostrongylosis is considerable nationwide. Active surveillance, increasing awareness and regular preventive measures are crucial to control cardiopulmonary parasitic diseases in carnivores in the country.
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Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia
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SFRH
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SFRH/BD/85427/2012