References
UK parasite risk factors and control challenges
Abstract
Endemic and emerging parasites pose a risk to companion animals and their owners. Emerging parasites can also impose a significant public health burden. The discovery of new parasites, the insurgence of endemic ones, and the emergence of new information has made managing parasitic diseases a topical subject for veterinarians, who are now starting to see more patients with these diseases. Better understanding of the extent and burden of parasites on animals and humans is essential for control interventions. This article discusses the known risk factors of UK parasites in the current literature, use of parasiticides in small animal medicine, known challenges to effective parasite control, risks of parasiticides and current guidelines surrounding their use.
Human–animal interaction from dog and cat ownership elicits many positive benefits to human health (Beetz et al, 2012). However, infestations and potential infections, including zoonoses caused by endo- and ectoparasites, interfere with these effects and cause animal health and welfare concerns (European Scientific Council for Companion Animal Parasites (ESCCAP), 2018). Immunocompromised individuals and children are at an even greater risk of zoonoses, especially given the oft en-close proximity in which pets and owners live and the increasingly important role they play in our lives. There are many parasites of current and growing veterinary importance in the UK; understanding their epidemiology allows the development of appropriate prophylaxis guidelines based on individual risk, as well as the risk posed to the families they live with (ESCCAP, 2018, 2021).
Many endoparasites affect cats and dogs in the UK with some helminth infections causing severe clinical disease with zoonotic potential risking the health of livestock and threatening human health.
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