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Prevalence and risk factors for heartworm infection in cats from northern Florida

Julie K Levy1, Patti S Snyder, Larissa M Taveres

  • 1Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610, USA.

Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association
|January 23, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Heartworm infection affects nearly 5% of cats in northern Florida, with 17% showing prior exposure. Male cats face a higher risk, underscoring the need for feline heartworm prevention.

Area of Science:

  • Veterinary Parasitology
  • Feline Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) infection is a serious concern in cats, often presenting with non-specific clinical signs.
  • Limited data exists on the prevalence and risk factors of heartworm disease specifically in feline populations in northern Florida.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of heartworm infection and exposure in cats in northern Florida.
  • To identify potential risk factors associated with heartworm infection in this feline population.

Main Methods:

  • Necropsies were conducted on 630 adult cats from northern Florida.
  • Diagnostic methods included identification of heartworms and serological testing for antigen and antibody.

Main Results:

  • Heartworm infection was confirmed in 4.9% of cats, while 17% showed serological evidence of exposure.
  • Not all infected cats were seropositive, indicating limitations in serological diagnostics for feline heartworm.
  • No association was found between heartworm infection and co-infection with feline leukemia virus (FeLV) or feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV).
  • Male cats exhibited a higher risk for heartworm, FeLV, and FIV infections compared to females.

Conclusions:

  • Heartworm infection is prevalent in cats in northern Florida, posing a significant health risk.
  • Male sex is identified as a risk factor for heartworm infection in this region.
  • Feline heartworm prophylaxis is recommended for cats in this area due to the potential for severe clinical disease or mortality, even from a single worm.

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