Parasite myth-busting sharpens year-round prevention message

Veterinary media and continuing education outlets are putting parasite myths back in the spotlight, with dvm360’s Vet Blast episode “399: Fact or Fiction–Parasites and Protection” featuring parasitologist Lindsay Starkey, DVM, PhD, DACVM, and a recent VETgirl heartworm-focused episode backed by the American Heartworm Society. Across those discussions, the message is consistent: indoor lifestyle doesn’t equal no risk, year-round prevention remains the standard, and parasite conversations need to address both patient health and household exposure. dvm360’s related coverage says the program focused on common misconceptions about lifestyle-based risk, compliance barriers, prevalence updates, zoonotic concerns, and drug-resistance issues. (music.amazon.com)

Why it matters: For veterinary professionals, this is less about a single new data release than a renewed push to tighten preventive care messaging. The American Heartworm Society’s current “Think 12” materials continue to recommend 12 months of prevention and annual testing, while the society’s revised 2024 canine guidelines recommend annual antigen and microfilaria testing. CAPC’s 2025 Pet Parasite Forecast also warns that heartworm and other vector-borne diseases continue to spread geographically, with heightened heartworm risk across broad parts of the central and southeastern U.S. and emerging risk in additional western regions. That gives practices a stronger evidence-based case for consistent, year-round recommendations, especially when pet parents assume indoor pets or colder climates are protective. (heartwormsociety.org)

What to watch: Expect more clinic-facing education around compliance, feline prevention uptake, and how teams talk with pet parents about “low risk” versus “no risk,” especially as parasite maps and seasonal forecasts update through 2026. (animalhealthdigest.com)