Surveys show heartworm prevalence

GREENSBORO, N.C. — Three separate veterinarian surveys challenge commonly held beliefs about the prevalence of heartworm and intestinal parasites. "These studies do demonstrate that heartworm and intestinal parasites are endemic throughout most of the United States, including regions where prevalence is historically thought to be low," reports Dr. David Stansfield, director of professional relations for Novartis Animal Health.

"Add to that the national average for compliance with heartworm preventives – five out of 12 months – and the magnitude of the issue is evident."

In a Novartis Animal Health survey of 1,000 veterinary clinics in 11 western U.S. states, 49 percent of responding clinics report heartworm-positive cases.

The data document 2,300 incidents of heartworm in pets in 2005 in areas that historically were believed to be lower in prevalence.