Vector-Borne Diseases Likely To Witness A Surge In 2022

As per the details, tick-borne diseases Lyme, anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, and heartworm will be spreading throughout the nation. Moreover, according to the CAPC report, pet rehoming, as well as the following reasons, are major causes behind this spread: 

Fluctuations in:  

• Prevalence and distribution of vectors, i.e., tick & mosquito populations. 
• Incursion and shifting of the wildlife population into or near newly developed and reclaimed areas.
• Climate changes, either they are short or long-term. 
• Natural or human-induced processes that lead to habitat changes. 

Furthermore, CAPC also predicted the areas including the Atlantic coast and Mississippi River, some major portions of Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico, southern Arizona, and the northern Great Plains are at high risk of vector-borne diseases. However, according to the forecast, parts of California, Idaho, and Montana are also likely to be at risk. In addition to this, the risk of Lyme disease caused by ticks is heightened in the large portion of Michigan and Ohio, Wisconsin, and Minnesota.

While keeping in view the ongoing studies conducted by the statisticians and parasitologists across the United States. The industry experts have said that the concerned authorities must take stern actions in the forecast spotlight areas to reduce and prevent the risk of disease vectors, i.e., ticks and mosquitoes. However, it's also the responsibility of the pet parents to get their animals to the veterinarian's clinic for the medical check-up and ensure the testing of their pets for disease. It's also crucial to protect the animals by using products that kill or repel ticks and mosquitos.

Christopher Carpenter, Chief Executive Officer of CAPC, has said that the CAPC has initiated the annual forecasts to keep the communities well informed of the risk associated with the zoonotic potential of parasites harmful to the animals. At the same time, while shedding light on the increasing prevalence and expansion of parasitic diseases in the areas with historically low prevalence. He said that the CAPC’s 2022 Pet Parasite Forecast is crucial to aware pet owners regarding the risk. In addition, and more importantly, strengthen the risk of the guidance that all pets need to be tested and protected annually.

It's worth mentioning that vectors are living organisms that transfer infectious pathogens to humans or from animals to humans. Meanwhile, vector-borne disease can spread due to viruses, parasites, and bacteria. That is transferred through mosquitoes, ticks, etc. Hence, as a responsible pet owner and veterinarian, you should take the best possible preventive measures to avoid such diseases.