Mosquito-Borne Dog Heartworm Disease

J. K. Nayar and C. R. Connelly

Release Date: 11/22/2020

Reviewed At: 12/5/2024

DOI: 10.32473/edis-mg100-1990

Agriculture

Abstract

This document provides an overview of mosquito-borne dog heartworm disease, caused by the filarial nematode Dirofilaria immitis. It details the lifecycle of the parasite, which requires both dogs and mosquitoes to develop. The disease affects the heart and major blood vessels, leading to severe health issues in dogs. The document also covers the distribution of heartworm disease, diagnostic methods, and treatment options for dogs, as well as prevention strategies. Additionally, it discusses heartworm disease in cats and humans, highlighting differences in infection and clinical signs. Publication date: July 1990

About this Publication

This document is ENY-628, one of a series of the Department of Entomology and Nematology, UF/IFAS Extension. Original publication date July 1990. Revised July 1998, May 2005, and July 2011. Visit the EDIS website at https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu for the currently supported version of this publication.

About the Authors

J. K. Nayar (retired) professor, emeritus; and C. R. Connelly, former professor, Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory; Department of Entomology and Nematology, UF/IFAS Extension, Gainesville, FL 32611.