Routine screening and clinical diagnosis of intestinal helminths in cats and dogs

Intestinal roundworms such as ascarids, hookworms and whipworms can contribute to intestinal disease. Identification of worm infections in these cases is important because heavy burdens can influence both the severity of clinical signs and intestinal pathology. Regular deworming of cats and dogs is also a fundamental component of preventative health programmes for UK pets. Treating intestinal roundworms four times a year is likely to keep worm burdens low and reduce zoonotic Toxocara spp. ova output (Wright and Wolfe, 2007; Nijsse et al, 2015). As a result, it is the minimum treatment frequency for intestinal roundworms recommended by the European Scientific Counsel for Companion Animal Parasites. However, monthly treatment is often required to minimise human and animal health risk. This is the case to prevent Toxocara spp. shedding in cats and dogs likely to have high worm burdens or that live with people at high risk of infection. It is also required in dogs whose geographic location and lifestyle puts them at high risk of Echinococcus granulosus infection.