No evidence of endemic infection with Dirofilaria immitis in dogs

Authors: Pomroy WE, Webster MC, McSporran KD
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 45, Issue 2, pp 82, Apr 1997
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: Companion animal, Dog
Subject Terms: Biosecurity, Circulatory system/haematology, Diagnostic procedures, Disease surveillance, Notifiable organisms/exotic disease, Parasites - internal, Nematode
Article class: Correspondence

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Abstract: Dirofilaria immitis is periodically recorded in dogs imported from Australia into New Zealand. In this country, environmental conditions are marginal for the transmission of this species, but potential mosquito intermediate hosts are known to be present. Development in the intermediate host is temperature dependent, with most reports indicating that a mean temperature of at least 18°C is required. Therefore, the most likely locations in New Zealand for D. immitis to establish are the Auckland region and areas north of this. In 1989-90, 880 dogs from these areas of New Zealand were surveyed to determine the presence or absence of D. immitis. Dogs were only included in the survey if they had never travelled outside New Zealand. A large number of breeds (>50) were represented, with almost equal numbers of males and females being sampled. The majority of the dogs were classified as pets (90%), with the remainder…

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