Vets: free identification of exotic worms in dogs
Submit samples from dogs for free identification of exotic worms and worm-like parasites by the APHA.
Documents
Details
Vets can get free morphological identification of exotic worms and worm-like parasites in dogs seen in practice.
These include suspected cases of:
- Thelazia callipaeda
- Dirofilaria repens
- Linguatula serrata
Identification is carried out by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA).
Submitting samples
Complete the attached form.
Submit fresh samples or samples preserved in 70% ethanol. Do not put the parasites in formalin.
Send the form and samples to:
Carmarthen APHA Veterinary Investigation Centre
Job’s Well Road
Johnstown
Carmarthen
Carmarthenshire
SA31 3EZ
You must follow the rules for packaging and sending pathological material.
About the project
APHA and the European Scientific Counsel Companion Animal Parasites (ESCCAP) UK and Ireland are collaborating to encourage diagnosis and reporting of these parasites and to map the distribution of cases being recorded in the UK.
This will aid the surveillance of the distribution and prevalence of worms in UK dogs, as well as helping to identify where autochthonous transmission may be occurring.
Watch a video with more information about the project on Vet Times.
Contact APHA lab services
Email: carmarthen@apha.gov.uk
Telephone: 03000 60 0016
If you need an accessible version of this form email siu@apha.gov.uk.