Drugs for cat and dog worm elimination: what do we have now and what do we need?

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.