2026 World Parasite Awareness Day

On March 20 each year, the world marks World Parasite Awareness Day. It is a moment to recognize that pets around the globe face a persistent, but often invisible, risk: parasites. Fleas, ticks, worms, and other parasites can cause discomfort, serious illness, and in some cases life-threatening disease. Some parasites and the infections they carry can also spread to people, putting households at risk.

To mark World Parasite Awareness Day 2026, we have come together to support a global Prevention Pledge, affirming our shared commitment to parasite prevention as a cornerstone of pet care. We recognize that preventing parasite infections is an essential way to protect pet health and help reduce risks to people.

Evidence from around the world underscores the risk of parasites. In the United States, over a million dogs test positive for heartworm each year, while sampling done across veterinary clinics and dog parks consistently find parasitic infections. In Europe, heartworm has expanded across multiple countries and become endemic in new areas, while in parts of Latin America, Africa, and Asia, free-roaming animal populations and a changing climate can contribute to very high parasite prevalence.

Because no two animals are the same, effective parasite prevention is not one-size-fits-all. Optimal prevention strategies should be developed in consultation with a veterinarian, taking into account a pet’s individual needs, local risks, and living conditions. Veterinary guidance helps ensure that prevention approaches remain appropriate, effective, and responsive over time.

Parasite infections and infestations can cause pain, suffering, and in some cases death, and the value of prevention is well documented. Preventing infections before they occur helps reduce these harms and limits the potential for parasites to spread more widely within households and communities.

Through this Prevention Pledge, we reaffirm the importance of preventive health practices that protect pets, people, and the households they share. Parasite prevention strengthens the bond between pets and their owners by helping animals live healthier, safer lives. On World Parasite Awareness Day 2026, we invite organizations and individuals around the world to stand with us in support.