ABSTRACT: Vector-borne diseases are of increasing significance to the health of human, canine and feline populations. It is estimated that 45% of the human population in Europe is exposed to the risk of helminth vector-borne diseases (Petric, Zgomba, Bellini & Becker, 2012). A number of canine vector borne diseases are increasing in prevalence and distribution in Europe and worldwide: leishmanisis, dirofilariosis and babesiosis are just three of these. The change in distribution and prevalence can be attributed to factors including, climate change, increased awareness amongst veterinary surgeons and the increase in movement of pets, both within Europe and further afield.

Author

Dr Catriona Curtis BVM&S MRCVS

Catriona graduated from the Royal Dick School of Veterinary Studies in Edinburgh in 2004. After seven years in mixed, then small animal, practice she moved to the pharmaceutical industry as a veterinary adviser, she now works for Bayer Animal Health in the UK. She has a special interest in canine vector-borne diseases and responsible antimicrobial use. Catriona is also the member support officer for the Society of Practising Veterinary Surgeons (SPVS) and organises the annual final-year veterinary student conference in Lancaster.

When not working she can be found running up and down the fells in the Lake District with her Labrador Retriever, Max, and Working Cocker Spaniel, Ghillie. E-mail: catriona.curtis@bayer.com

Keywords: Clinical, Canine, Thread

To cite this article: • VOL 30 (12) • December 2015 • Veterinary Nursing Journal pp345-350

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