Practical approach to testing the imported dog for parasites

Abstract

Background: Despite the Covid-19 pandemic and Brexit, the number of dogs being imported into the UK remains high. At the same time there are a variety of factors driving global parasite distributions, increasing the likelihood that imported pets will be infected with exotic parasites. Therefore, early diagnosis of exotic infections is important, both in dogs with clinical signs but also those that are subclinical carriers. Detecting infections allows us to minimise the potential zoonotic exposure, plan for treatment of any pathogens present and maintain UK biosecurity.

Aim of the article: This article summarises the clinical signs and testing options for the key parasites that imported dogs may be infected with.