UK parasite risk factors and control challenges

Abstract

Endemic and emerging parasites pose a risk to companion animals and their owners. Emerging parasites can also impose a significant public health burden. The discovery of new parasites, the insurgence of endemic ones, and the emergence of new information has made managing parasitic diseases a topical subject for veterinarians, who are now starting to see more patients with these diseases. Better understanding of the extent and burden of parasites on animals and humans is essential for control interventions. This article discusses the known risk factors of UK parasites in the current literature, use of parasiticides in small animal medicine, known challenges to effective parasite control, risks of parasiticides and current guidelines surrounding their use.