2016 ACVIM Forum Research Abstract Program

The findings of this study suggest that the likelihood of unprotected Northwestern Oregon dogs developing heartworm infection is currently very low. Heartworm transmission prediction models based on climate data (Knight/Lok) have shown that the climate conditions in the area can support heartworm transmission. Data compiled by the Companion Animal Parasite Council (Capcvet.org) confirm that Dirofilaria immitis has been diagnosed within the state of Oregon, although only 0.18% of all positive cases of heartworm in the U.S. are in the state of Oregon. It is important to consider that these data reflect a point in time. As the population of Oregon continues to grow, more heartworm infected dogs will invariably arrive. Changes in climate patterns will also influence the transmission of this disease. Continued monitoring and vigilance are recommended. In the last several years, clinical illness in a number of people in Baja California Sur, M exico, has been suspected to be associated with rickettsial disease agents such as Rickettsia rickettsii, Rickettsia felis, and/or Ehrlichia species. The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of select vectors and vector-borne disease agents carried by companion dogs of the region.