Global veterinary groups unite behind parasite prevention as risks expand worldwide

More than 40 veterinary and animal health organizations have signed a global “Prevention Pledge” emphasizing the importance of parasite control as fleas, ticks, and worms expand into new geographic regions, bringing emerging disease risks for companion animals and people.

The pledge, released March 20 in recognition of World Parasite Awareness Day, includes signatories from five continents, such as the World Small Animal Veterinary Association, the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Companion Animal Parasite Council, the Federation of European Companion Animal Veterinary Associations, and the European Scientific Counsel Companion Animal Parasites. Additional participants include national veterinary associations and academic institutions from countries including Australia, Brazil, Canada, Germany, Portugal, and Spain.

Organizers cited growing concern over shifting parasite distributions driven by climate change, increased pet travel, and evolving wildlife populations. In the United States, forecasts indicate continued spread of ticks associated with Lyme disease, alongside increasing risk for heartworm disease as mosquito populations expand into new areas. Approximately 1 million cases of heartworm disease are diagnosed annually in the US.

“The latest forecasts show the parasite landscape is shifting, with many pets now facing new and emerging risks,” said Michael Q. Bailey, DVM, president of the American Veterinary Medical Association, in the release. He emphasized that regular veterinary visits remain a cornerstone of prevention, enabling clinicians to assess local parasite risks and recommend appropriate control strategies.

Globally, emerging and re-emerging parasitic diseases continue to present challenges. In the United Kingdom, tick-borne encephalitis virus became a notifiable disease in April 2025, while cases of leishmaniosis have increased in southeastern England. Across Europe, heartworm disease has also been reported in previously unaffected regions.

The pledge highlights the One Health implications of parasite control, noting that several parasitic diseases—including Lyme disease, canine anaplasmosis, and leishmaniosis—can affect both animals and humans. It underscores that prevention can reduce morbidity and mortality in pets while limiting transmission within households and communities.

Signatories also reinforced the central role of veterinarians in parasite prevention. According to the pledge, veterinary professionals are uniquely positioned to evaluate regional risk factors and tailor prevention protocols to individual patients.

“Parasites remain one of the most common and preventable health threats affecting companion animals in Europe,” said Ann Criel, DVM, president of the Federation of European Companion Animal Veterinary Associations, in the release. “Regular veterinary guidance and tailored prevention plans are essential to protect pets throughout their lives.”

The full pledge and list of signatories are available at ParasiteAwarenessDay.com.

Reference

1. Prevention Pledge to protect pets from growing threat of fleas, ticks and worms. News release. March 20, 2026.