The Federation of European Companion Animal Veterinary Associations (FECAVA), the Federation of Veterinarians in Europe (FVE), and AnimalhealthEurope have joined together with more than 40 veterinary associations, parasitology organisations and animal health groups from across the world to sign a Prevention Pledge. This affirms their commitment to parasite prevention as a foundation of pet care, particularly as fleas, ticks and worms spread into new regions.
Signatories from around the globe
The Pledge, published to mark World Parasite Awareness Day on 20 March, brings together signatories across five continents including the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA), American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the US Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC), and the European Scientific Counsel Companion Animal Parasites (ESCCAP). National veterinary groups, academic institutions, and others from across Brazil, Australia, Portugal, Canada, Germany, Spain and beyond have also signed on.
Heartworm spreading across Europe
The pledge comes as parasites remain a persistent, common risk for pets. For example, heartworm, a potentially fatal parasite transmitted through mosquito bites and which mainly affects dogs, has spread across Europe to previously unaffected areas. In the US, one million cases of heartworm are diagnosed every year. Expert group forecasts show that the risk of parasites is growing in places like the US and UK, driven by climate change, pet travel, rehoming of animals from third countries and changes in wildlife populations.
Vets play a ‘central role’ in parasite prevention
This presents a risk for people as certain parasites that affect pets also carry diseases that can pass to people, including Lyme disease, canine anaplasmosis and leishmaniosis. It is the reason why the Prevention Pledge recognises that parasite prevention protects both pets and people. The Pledge also highlights the central role of veterinarians as essential partners in providing risk-based advice for parasite prevention measures. Veterinarians understand the parasite threats in their area and can help pet owners develop a prevention strategy that matches their pet’s needs and ensures they remain protected against any potential risks.
Ensuring pets receive effective responsible protection
‘Parasites remain one of the most common and preventable health threats affecting companion animals in Europe. Regular veterinary guidance and tailored prevention plans are essential to protect pets throughout their lives. By supporting this Prevention Pledge, FECAVA reaffirms the important role of veterinarians in helping pet owners understand parasite risks and ensure their animals receive effective, responsible protection,’ said Ann Criel, FECAVA President.
Working together for sustainable risk-based prevention
‘Across Europe, parasites are spreading into regions where they were previously unknown. Veterinary testing and oversight are the cornerstone of effective prevention — we encourage all animal owners to work with their veterinarian on a prevention plan tailored to their animal's individual risk. Let's work together for sustainable, risk-based parasite prevention that protects our animals and our families,’ said Nancy De Briyne, FVE Executive Director.
Veterinary guidance as central reference
‘Many of the most common parasites that affect pets can be prevented with appropriate treatment, which not only protects animals but also their owners and families. More than 40 of the world’s leading veterinary and animal health organisations have shown their support for parasite prevention, with veterinary guidance as the central reference to ensure prevention approaches remain appropriate, effective and responsible,’ said Roxane Feller, Director General of AnimalhealthEurope.
The Pledge and Signatories can be found at ParasiteAwarenessDay.com.
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