WHAT IS THE INCIDENCE OF HEARTWORM INFECTION IN LOS ANGELES COUNTY DOGS?
Out of the 4,350 dogs, a total of 18 positive dogs were identified. While positive individuals were located all over Los Angeles County, the incidence of infection was approximately THREE TIMES HIGHER in West Hills, Woodland Hills and Canoga Park than in any other L.A. County region. Overall, in L.A. County the incidence of infection was one in 250. WERE DOGS THAT HAD A HISTORY OF TRAVEL AT HIGHER RISK? Two surprising findings came from this study regarding travel history. The first surprise was that 63% of dogs had a history of travel outside of L.A. County at some time in their lives. Previous surveys of local veterinarians had indicated that L.A. veterinarians are under the impression that they are recommending heartworm prevention for their canine patients that travel. These findings indicate that a great deal of travel is taking place without veterinary consultation and that many dog owners are taking their pets into heartworm areas without heartworm warning or protection. The sec
