2016 ACVIM Forum Research Abstract Program

Coxiella burnetii DNA was not recovered from fleas collected from cats in eastern Australia or the southern United States. The results suggest that fleas infesting domestic cats in these regions are not important vectors for C. burnetii and are unlikely to play a role in the transmission of the organism to humans with Q fever. Canine infection with Dirofilaria immitis, the parasitic agent responsible for causing heartworm disease, is easily and safely prevented via the periodic administration of one of a number of preventative agents. Many veterinarians in Oregon do not routinely recommend the use of heartworm prophylactics; therefore, dogs are commonly not on a preventative. Confusion regarding the use of heartworm preventatives in Oregon is understandable, given the paucity of incidence data in our region. The decision between a veterinarian and a client on whether or not to start a preventative is often made based on a cost-benefit analysis, where only the cost is known. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the risk of developing heartworm infection amongst unprotected dogs in Northwestern Oregon. This information will enable veterinarians and their clients to make more informed decisions regarding heartworm prevention.