Dirofilaria spp. and Angiostrongylus vasorum: Current Risk of Spreading in Central and Northern Europe

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Parasitology
• Zoonotic Diseases
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens cause cardiopulmonary and subcutaneous dirofilariosis in canids and felids.
• Angiostrongylus vasorum causes canine angiostrongylosis.
• Both parasites have shown increased relevance in Central and Northern Europe over recent decades.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and summarize published data and reports on Dirofilaria spp. and Angiostrongylus vasorum cases in Central and Northern Europe.
• To identify factors contributing to the spread of these nematodes.
• To highlight areas for future research and monitoring.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of published articles and additional reports.
• Geographical scope includes Central Europe (Austria, Czechia, Germany, Hungary, Luxemburg, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Switzerland) and Northern Europe (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden).
• Analysis of factors influencing parasite establishment and spread.

Main Results:

• Research efforts on Dirofilaria spp. and A. vasorum vary significantly by country, with limited cross-border studies.
• Key factors influencing spread include dog housing conditions, pet relocation, competent vector distribution, and climate change.
• Dogs housed outdoors overnight are a significant factor for Dirofilaria spp. establishment, alongside invasive mosquito vectors like Aedes albopictus.
• Angiostrongylus vasorum spread drivers are less understood but linked to wild canid habitats, dog movement, and climate change.

Conclusions:

• Both Dirofilaria spp. and Angiostrongylus vasorum represent a growing concern in Central and Northern Europe.
• Further monitoring and research are crucial to understand and manage the spread of these parasites.
• Factors such as climate change and pet movement necessitate a coordinated, cross-border approach to parasite control.