CAPC Recommendations for the Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention and Control of Parasitic Infections in U.S. Dogs and Cats

Want a quick overview of the CAPC recommendations for parasite prevention and control? CAPC’s General Guidelines offer an expert, short reference, which includes links to specific recommendations for individual parasites of clinical importance to dogs, cats, and humans.

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The CAPC’s expert information on ectoparasites includes life cycle and stage descriptions, pathology, diagnosis, treatment, and control, and public health concerns from ectoparasitic diseases in dogs and cats caused by Demodex (Mange Mite), Fleas, Lice, Mites other than Demodex, and Ticks.

Recent prevalence data suggests that dog and cats are susceptible to heartworm in all 50 states. While prevention in dogs is commonplace, this deadly parasite is often viewed as less of a threat for cats. However, cats with heartworm are often asymptomatic and frequently go undiagnosed.

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According to CAPC research, client awareness of intestinal parasites is low and knowledge of the risks of zoonotic transmission is even lower — despite the fact that it’s not uncommon for dogs and cats to become infected with an intestinal parasite at some point. CAPC experts make recommendations for intestinal Nematodes Ascarids, Hookworms, and Whipworms; the Tapeworm Cestodes Cyclophyllidean (True Tapeworm) and Pseudophyllidean (Primitive Tapeworm); as well as Trematodes; and the intestinal protozoa Coccidia, Giardia, and Cryptosporidia.

As vector-borne diseases spread (click on the prevalence map above), the CAPC experts provide you with the latest information and recommendations on Canine Leishmaniasis, Lyme Disease, Ehrlichia spp. and Anaplasma spp., Canine Babesiosis, Feline Cytauxzoonosis, and American Hepatozoonosis.

Information and CAPC recommendations for parasites such as Urinary Nematodes, Lungworms, Trematodes and Toxoplasma.

Toxoplasmosis Fact:
• According to the CDC, toxoplasmosis is considered to be the third leading cause of death attributed to foodborne illness in the United States.

Last reviewed
and edited
March 2007