Vanquishing Feline Vector-Borne Disease

This presentation will review some of the common vector-borne infections, focusing on heartworm disease and tick-transmitted diseases, that threaten feline health. Ticks pose a significant year-round risk to cats through the pathogens they can transmit, including agents of cytauxzoonosis, tularemia, borreliosis, and anaplasmosis. Heartworm disease, caused by Dirofilaria immitis, is a serious, often life-threatening parasitic infection in cats. While the condition is well known, there are several misperceptions concerning the risk, diagnosis, management, and need for prevention in our feline patients. In this presentation, key insights related to these parasites will be shared and preventive measures will be discussed.