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Toxocara cati, the feline ascarid, is ubiquitous in domestic cats globally and is increasingly recognised as an important zoonotic species. In the definitive host, infections with the adult ascarid usually do not present any clinical signs; if clinical signs do appear, it is usually in kittens infected with T. cati, especially by the trans-mammary route. Diseases may include cachexia, a pot-bellied appearance, respiratory disorders, diarrhoea, vomiting, among other signs, and these may present as early as 3 weeks of age. However, infections with Toxocara spp. larvae in paratenic hosts (including humans and many other animals), can result in serious complications from the migration of larvae. Historically, there has been an assumption that Toxocara canis was the most likely cause of Toxocara spp.-related disease; while it is probably true that T. canis is responsible for the majority of infections, it is important that those caused by T. cati are accurately identified so that the contribution of this parasite to human disease can be established and then handled appropriately. Overall, the detection of infections in cats and the control of parasite stages in the environment are essential to minimise the infection risk to other animals or humans.

The protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii was initially isolated from the rodent Ctenodactylus gundi, and it has been found worldwide from Alaska to Australia with nearly one third of the human population having been exposed to this parasite. All warm-blooded hosts, including humans, can be infected by any one of its three infective stages: tachyzoites, bradyzoites, and sporozoites. Felids are the definitive hosts of this intracellular pathogen. Although it usually causes mild disease or asymptomatic infection in immunocompetent adults, this parasite can cause devastating disease in congenitally infected children and those with depressed immunity. Because of its zoonotic potential, toxoplasmosis triggers the interest of the diverse medical and veterinary specialities. Consciousness needs to be increased that this disease can produce clinical cases not only in immunocompromised patients or through vertical transmission, but also in healthy patients. In this article, we will review the biology and the epidemiology of this parasite.

Pet reptile ownership has increased substantially over the last few years, with 1.6% of the 12 million homes in the UK that reported having a pet, having at least one reptile. Ectoparasite infestations can have negative impacts on the health and wellbeing of pet reptiles, and can become life-threatening if left unchecked. Three groups of mites are known to cause major infestations and play a role in causing clinical disease. A wide variety of tick species are also associated with captive reptiles. Diagnosis/detection of ectoparasites is very straightforward, with the identification of the different parasites on clinical examination or skin scrapings. There is an array of different chemical treatments for these infestations; however, environmental control is also necessary when trying to keep parasites at bay. A quarantine section should be in place in any vivarium receiving imported species, and these reptiles should be kept in quarantine for at least 90 days, isolated from the main reptile population. In the present article, the authors present information on the key external parasites commonly reported from captive reptiles in the UK.

Ectoparasite infections caused by mites present a consistent and frequent challenge to veterinary practitioners. Of the estimated 0.5–1 million mite species on earth, there is a subgroup that are parasitic and can cause major disease. These parasites can pose challenges such as mis-identification and limited treatment options, as well as the need to change husbandry practices to prevent transmission. Of the mites of companion animals, burrowing mites are of particular importance due to their propensity to cause mange in the infested host. The most important of these are Sarcoptes scabiei, Notoedres cati, and Demodex spp., all of which are capable of causing profound infestation and disease. In order to have a good prognosis for cure in mange, treatment and identification of underlying diseases needs to be accurate. In addition, treatment should be monitored past clinical and microscopic cure, to minimise the risk of recrudecence.

Parasitic nematodes that affect the respiratory system of felids are spreading in endemic regions and emerging in areas and hosts which were previously free of them. Recent reports of lungworm parasitoses caused by Aelurostrongylus abstrusus, Troglostrongylus brevior and Eucoleus aerophilus have stimulated an increase in scientific interest in the biology, ecology and epidemiology of these nematodes. The majority of literature dedicated to feline metastrongylid lungworms has been focused on A. abstrusus, mainly because it is the most commonly reported in domestic cats. However, this focus may come at the cost of overlooking emerging or less common metastrongylids. This article reviews information on the three major feline metastrongylid nematodes, including their biology and treatment; there is an emphasis on the epidemiology of T. brevior to provide a better understanding of an emerging parasite of domestic cats in Europe.

Fleas are the most important ectoparasites of dogs and cats worldwide. The annual cost to control fleas in companion animals exceeds $1 billion in the USA and €1.1 billion in Western Europe. As well as acting as vectors of disease, and a source of owner revulsion and bite reactions, they are also the most common causes of allergic dermatitis in cats and dogs. Similarly, biting flies are a major source of allergic skin disease in horses. An allergy is an exacerbated response from an individual when it comes into contact with foreign substances (allergens) such as flea and fly saliva. This article considers mechanisms of flea and fly bite sensitivity, diagnosis, and the role of the veterinary nurse in the prevention of these diseases.

Parasitic worms (helminths) have accompanied domesticated cats and dogs for thousands of years and are still prevalent. This is true not only in the developed world, but especially where there is wide scale poverty, including large parts of Southeast Asia and the Western Pacific Region. The global strategy for the control of helminth infections is still morbidity control and reduction or elimination of public health risks. Between 1960 and 1980, astonishing success was accomplished in anthelmintic improvement for animals. In those 20 years, drugs with varied structure, innovative activity and privileged safety were produced. The subsequent years have been spent modifying existing molecules with niche activity (parasite-host research), improving delivery systems and combating the relentless spread of drug resistance. For the years to come, existing technologies are required to design and produce new drugs and biological controls. This article considers the current chemical options for deworming pets and points out the knowledge and treatment gaps that need addressing.

The past few decades have witnessed a clear shift in the management of worm infections, with more emphasis on chemotherapeutic drugs. Anthelmintics have been effective in limiting the spread of helminth infections, with consequent improvement in the welfare of pets and the productivity of domestic animals. Hence, the use of anthelmintics has been one of the greatest achievements of the parasitology discipline. However, infections with parasites remain both common and serious. Not only has there been evidence of incidence of parasites that are resistant to the action of anthelmintics, but the spectrum of infection also seems to be changing, with a growing number of emerging and re-emerging infections, suggesting a shift in the landscape of the interactions between animal host and parasites. Therefore, the role for integrated parasite control programmes has grown, and will continue to grow, as rates of anthelmintics resistance are likely to rise. Management of worm infections should rely on the sensible application of anthelmintics to alleviate disease and maintain welfare, and sound hygienic measures to reduce the transmission of parasites. In this article, we summarize the most common anthelmintic drugs for dogs and cats, highlighting their modes of action, the potential for development of drug resistance (DR), and ways to tackle the DR challenge.

Rabies has always been a disease that has attracted the attention of the public eye. Due to the high case fatality rate of infected humans and animals, government authorities have always invested resources for its control and prevention. It is necessary to keep a close watch for outbreaks of the virus, to ensure rapid implementation of control measures and reassess disease epidemiology. This article's intention is to give an updated assessment of the status of rabies in Europe, focusing on distribution, risk, diagnosis and prevention.

Owning pets in the UK and Ireland is very beneficial for some, but does bring risks and responsibilities. Over recent years, parasites endemic to the UK have been overshadowed by exotic parasites. This article turns the reader's attention back to these ‘everyday parasites’, exploring the effects of infestation/infection, lifecycles, identification and control of fleas, ticks, mites, tapeworms and Toxocara spp. The diagnostic and control challenges faced by pet owners and veterinarians are explored from the perspective of the One Health initiative.