Data di Pubblicazione:
2014
Citazione:
Climate suitability for the transmission of Dirofilaria immitis and D. repens in Germany / R. Sassnau, A. Daugschies, M. Lendner, C. Genchi. - In: VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY. - ISSN 0304-4017. - 205:1-2(2014 Sep 15), pp. 239-245. [10.1016/j.vetpar.2014.06.034]
Abstract:
Recently concerns are increasing that dirofilarial nematodes may spread from endemic
areas in southern, eastern and central Europe to countries in northern regions of Europe.
The increasing number of autochthonous cases of canine Dirofilaria repens infections in
Germany indicates that worms of this genus may invade new areas, and climate change
may be a key factor in this scenario. Thus analysis of long term development of regional
temperature is a pivotal factor in risk analysis related to transmission of these worms.
Such information is important for suggestions of counteracting strategies, such as definition
of periods of increased transmission risk and, consequently, time slots most suited for
preventative measures.
In this study, mean daily temperature data from 34 geographical clustered weather stations
representing all parts of Germany were analyzed. It is concluded that the increasing
trend for average daily temperatures observed in the period from 1984 to 2013 has led
to climatic conditions that allow the completion of dirofilarial life cycles in large parts of
Germany between May and October. Autochthonous infection with D. repens is already
established in some regions and targeted diagnosis and medical prophylaxis is advisable
for dogs assumedly exposed during risk of transmission periods. It appears likely that global
warming will support further spread of D. repens. Furthermore for the population of dogs
the spread of the more pathogenic species D. immitis in hitherto non-endemic Germany is
a potential risk if mean temperatures rise to a level suitable for parasite development in
the abundant vector mosquitoes during the warmer seasons.
Tipologia IRIS:
01 - Articolo su periodico
Keywords:
Climate change; Dirofilaria immitis; Dirofilaria repens; Dirofilariosis; Germany; Heartworm; Prevention
Elenco autori:
R. Sassnau, A. Daugschies, M. Lendner, C. Genchi
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