1. Parasite Transmission
ACT - Parasite Transmission

2. What, How, and Why My Pet Has Worms
The what, how, and why depends on the type of worm your pet is infected with.
Unlike earthworms these worms live inside the animals body.
How they get there is called parasitic transmission.
Transmission may be by either direct or indirect means.
ACT - Parasite Transmission

3. Parasites can pass directly from one host to another.
Skin penetration
Direct
Ingests feces or vomit
Direct
Transmammary
Transplacental
ACT - Parasite Transmission

4. Parasites can ingest a paratenic host.
Indirect
ACT - Parasite Transmission

5. Heartworms Dirofilaria immitis
Mature
Microfilaria
ACT - Parasite Transmission

6. Dirofilaria immitis Lifecycle
3. Microfilaria (larvae) migrate to right side of heart – 3 months
4. Microfilaria mature in the heart – 3 months
5. After 6 months, adult worms begin producing microfilaria that are released back into the bloodstream.
2. Mosquito passes D. immitis to the next animal
1. Mosquito bites infected animal picking up D. immitis
ACT - Parasite Transmission

7. Parasite Transmission Review
What two means may parasites infect their host?
Explain trans-mammary infection.
Explain trans-placenta infection.
What other two direct ways may parasites pass from one host to another?
Explain what is meant by indirect transmission.
ACT - Parasite Transmission

8. Parasite Transmission Review
How can heartworms be prevented in your dog?
Why is it important to test for heartworms before putting a dog on heartworm prevention medication?
What laboratory procedures are used to determine if a dog has heartworms?
Besides using heartworm prevention medications; what else can be done to help prevent infections.
What medication is used to treat heartworms?
ACT - Parasite Transmission

9. Phone: Toll Free (800) 357-3182 or (940) 380-8858
Address: 2701 Hartlee Field Road, Denton, TX Fax: (940)
ACT - Parasite Transmission