The worms that turned: Exotic worm surveillance in the UK and how you can help

The numbers of dogs being imported into the UK remains high. This is happening at the same time as a variety of factors which are driving increased parasite distributions, increasing the likelihood that imported pets will be infected. The skin worm Dirofilaria repens, the eye worm Thelazia callipaeda and the nasal Pentastomid Linguatula serrata are parasites being increasingly seen in these dogs with potential to establish in the UK. The APHA exotic surveillance scheme aims to monitor these parasites with the aim of limiting spread and zoonotic exposure. This webinar will consider the risks these parasites spread and how vets and nurses can contribute to the scheme.

Learning Objectives

• To review Thelazia callipaeda, Dirofilaria repns and Linguatula serrata, clinical signs in dogs, zoonotic potential and risk of establishing in the UK.
• To explore the diagnostic and treatment options for these parasites
• To describe the role of surveillance in limiting the risk of these parasites establishing in the UK
• To review the APHA exotic worm surveillance scheme and how vets and nurses can contribute to it
• To explore the increasing risks of exotic parasites establishing in the UK, factors contributing to their spread and effective control measures that can be put in place in veterinary practice.

Sponsored By

ESCCAP UK & Ireland