Once thought of as relatively free from lungworm, worryingly the parasite has spread north throughout much of the country over the last few years, and is now clearly present in the Midlands and Northern England. This trend also looks set to continue meaning that dogs living in this area are at an increasing risk of contracting the potentially fatal parasite.
Foxes contribute to the spread of lungworm, and this is one of the causes of lungworm spreading to Northern England. In fact, in a study in 2008 no foxes were recorded as carrying lungworm in the far North, yet a study from the University of Bristol from 2015 shows that 1 in 14 foxes now carry the parasite in the area, and an even greater number of 1 in 6 are infected across the Midlands .2,3
Dogs can contract the parasite by ingesting slugs and snails infested with lungworm spread via dog and fox faeces, which contain the lungworm larvae.
You can check cases of lungworm in your area by visiting www.lungworm.co.uk/map
What is lungworm?
Lungworm (Angiostrongylus vasorum) is a type of parasitic worm which affects the heart and blood vessels of the lungs of animals such as dogs and foxes. Dogs (and foxes) can contract the lungworm parasite by eating infected slugs and snails or potentially even by eating grass or drinking from puddles and outdoor water bowls which may contain infected larvae released in the slime trail.
What are the signs of lungworm?
Lungworm infections can be fatal and it can be difficult to tell if your dog has lungworm as some signs, such as lethargy, weight loss and a cough, can be easily confused with other conditions and often, signs may not be shown at all in the early stages of infection. In more severe cases dogs can develop breathing difficulties & they can even suffer from serious bleeding due to problems with their blood clotting. Thankfully lungworm treatment for dogs is available from your vet, but given the serious nature of this disease it is important to seek help as early as possible.
Can I prevent lungworm in my dog?
The good news is that lungworm can be prevented in your dog, by making a monthly preventative treatment part of your dog’s regular anti-parasite routine. Your vet will be able to suggest an effective lungworm preventative product.
What should I do next?
- Visit the map to view cases in your area www.lungworm.co.uk/map
- Call your vet today, and ask for a preventative lungworm treatment
References:
- www.lungworm.co.uk/map
- Taylor et al. Parasitology (2015)142(9):1190-5.
- Morgan et al. Veterinary Parasitology (2008) 154:48–57.
