Parasites like fleas, ticks, mites and worms are a lifelong risk for pets. They can cause pain, discomfort, and illness and some parasites can be life-threatening for a pet if left untreated. In addition, some pet parasites and the diseases they carry are zoonotic, meaning they can be transmitted to people, putting our health and well-being in jeopardy.

Parasite control is one of the cornerstones of veterinary care and should be an essential consideration for all pet owners. Today, the risk of parasitic infestations is growing. Increased travel and cross-border movement of cats and dogs, both for trade and on holidays with their owners, combined with climate change and globalisation are enabling parasites to thrive and spread into new areas.

This document outlines how the landscape for parasite control is shifting in Europe, where threats may be rising, and what can be done to better prevent parasites from harming pets and people in the future.

Parasites are a growing risk for pets

Parasites are found everywhere and can harm both pets and people if left uncontrolled, particularly as parasites spread into new areas.

Parasites are a common threat to pets across Europe

Parasites like fleas, ticks, mites and worms are a common disease risk for pets. Internal parasites can cause anaemia, diarrhoea, and respiratory issues, while external parasites can lead to skin irritation, bites, and sores. Further external parasites, especially fleas and ticks, are carriers of a variety of pathogens causing so called vector-borne diseases. Veterinary expert groups in the form of ‘parasite councils’ track parasite occurrence and have found their presence to be widespread across Europe.

Many Europeans have pets

There are over 230 million dogs and cats in Europe⁴https://europeanpetfood.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/FEDIAF_Annual-Report_2023_Facts-Figures.pdf and it is estimated that there are a billion pets worldwide. The rise in pet numbers is driven by younger generations, more people living alone, and a growing middle class in low- and middle-income countries. Pets provide companionship and comfort but can also serve as a ‘reservoir’ for parasites and associated pathogens if not properly controlled.

Increasing prevalence and geographic spread of vector-borne disease

Vector-borne diseases are illnesses that are caused by pathogens that are transmitted by parasites to people and animals. An expansion of endemic areas⁵https://www.esccap.org/uploads/docs/5y4xn3fr_0775_ESCCAP_Guideline_GL5_20221228_1p.pdf (where the disease is commonly present) has been recorded for various parasitic diseases such as dirofilariosis, babesiosis and leishmaniosis. Evidence points to the spread and (re-)emergence of leishmaniosis in humans in some endemic areas. Furthermore, ECDC states that leishmaniases remain widespread and underreported in many countries of southern Europe and northern Africa, and insufficient prevention and control measures could lead to an increase in incidence in the EU.⁶https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/sites/default/files/documents/leishmaniasis-surveillance-eu.pdf

Geographical distribution of reported animal leishmaniasis cases, European Union and neighbouring countries, 2009−2020⁷https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/sites/default/files/documents/leishmaniasis-surveillance-eu.pdf

Global phenomena like climate change are helping parasites thrive

Factors such as climatic and ecological changes alongside global travel and translocation of pets are helping parasites to spread and thrive in regions where they may not have been present in the past. This means more pets are at risk and veterinarians must stay up-to-date on parasite threats in their area.

Pets can transmit parasites to people

When pets are not protected, the surrounding household is at greater risk

Some of the parasites that harm pets can also infest or infect people. Parasites like fleas can lead to household infestation and it takes months of intensive cleaning to clear households from these pests. Fleas, ticks, or mosquitoes can also transmit pathogens causing illness (also known as vector-borne disease) to pets and people alike. Controlling parasites in pets remains today’s cornerstone to mitigate and control One Health threats posed by these parasites both for the animals and the surrounding household and community.

Parasites & parasitic diseases cause serious harm in people

Four Zoonotic Parasite Threats

Parasites can be prevented

Parasite control in pets is essential considering the risk it can pose to the animal and the surrounding household. ‘Parasite Councils’ such as the European Scientific Counsel for Companion Animal Parasites (ESCCAP) provide expert independent guidelines on effective parasite management. Local authorities and veterinary associations also provide guidance for pet owners to protect their animal.

Although the specific advice will depend on the local situation and therefore differ by country, all experts generally agree that the best way to protect pets and ourselves is to prevent parasites and parasite-transmitted pathogens from establishing themselves in the first place. A few areas that are often recommended include:

Experts like the European Scientific Counsel for Companion Animal Parasites recommend ‘good hygiene’ as a simple way to reduce the chances your pet will spread certain parasites that might infect people and other animals. Recommendations for vets to educate clients developed by ESCCAP¹⁹https://www.esccap.org/uploads/docs/oqsb8b7j_0687_ESCCAP_General_Recommendations_update_v5.pdf include:

Hygiene measures

Graphic adapted from ESCCAP Guidelines

Use of parasite prevention and control products

Parasite prevention and control products can help pet owners to manage a variety of parasites like heartworm, intestinal parasites, fleas and ticks and prevent them from infesting an animal or treat already infested pets. Veterinarians will recommend products and approaches that match a pet’s risk level of parasite infestation. These products are usually available from veterinarians, pharmacies and depending on national legislation from other retailers such as pet shops.

Examples of guidance²⁰https://www.esccap.org/page/GL3+Control+of+Ectoparasites+in+Dogs+and+Cats/27/ include:

Diagnostic Testing

Regular testing for various parasites or associated diseases can help to determine the health status. This gives valuable information about infections and can support the development of a parasite control strategy. It can also indicate whether the strategy selected by the owner and veterinarian is working and can help ensure compliance. For example, two types of tests that can be conducted are:

Every pet owner will require their own mix of actions to address the unique risk of parasites to their animal. Hygiene, parasite prevention products and diagnostic testing typically play a role based on the recommendations of experts, however determining the exact mix requires consultation with a veterinarian. Ensuring pets regularly see their veterinarian must be at the core of any parasite control strategy.

There are significant opportunities to increase awareness of parasite risk and compliance with prevention measures

Some surveys show that pet owners are not fully aware of the risk of parasites to their animals as well as to themselves. and many are not in compliance with recommended prevention practices by local veterinarians. This highlights a significant need for greater communication with pet owners and promotion of parasite control by veterinarians, policymakers, and other key voices.

Pet Owner Survey Results

More information on parasite control in pets

Pet owners should always consult with their veterinarian for the ideal strategy to control parasites in their animals. Furthermore, companion animal parasite councils in major regions can offer important guidelines for proper control.