Our open letter

Every day, many pets face an often-invisible risk – parasites. Fleas, ticks, worms and other parasites don’t just make animals uncomfortable; they can lead to serious illness and even life-threatening conditions if left untreated. Furthermore, some parasites and the diseases they cause can spread to humans, putting households at risk.

That’s why veterinary experts, parasite councils, researchers, the animal health sector and others have come together to launch World Parasite Awareness Day, an annual event held on March 20th dedicated to raising awareness and fighting back against this preventable threat.

We recognise that the world is changing. As the climate shifts, travel increases and animals move more freely, parasites can spread to new areas, putting pets and people at risk if left unprotected.

For instance, Europe has seen an expansion in heartworm distribution in recent years, while in North America, surveillance data shows heartworm moving north into regions with historically low prevalence including the U.S. mid-Atlantic, Northeast, and even parts of Canada. In Latin America and Africa, free-roaming animal populations can be reservoirs of dangerous parasites like echinococcus and diseases like Chagas.

However, on March 20th 2025 – the 1st World Parasite Awareness Day – we want to remind pet owners and others that while parasites are a risk to pets and people, they can be controlled and disease risk minimized. While strategies will be different across the world, they can all involve:

• Working with a veterinarian to understand your pet’s risks and how to best control parasites.

• Understanding the types of parasites in your area to ensure your control strategies are effective.

• Adopting best practices like good hygiene when cleaning up pet waste.

• Having a protection plan tailored to your animal’s needs and ensuring it remains effective.

Protecting our pets from parasites isn’t just about their well-being, it’s about protecting our own health, our families, and the deep, irreplaceable bond we share with the animals who trust us. By staying informed and proactive, we can reduce the risks, protect our pets, and safeguard public health.

We invite everyone to join us on this mission and stand up for the health of pets everywhere. Visit the website of your local veterinary association to understand parasites in your area, and share our website to help us spread the word on March 20th. When we protect our pets, we protect ourselves.