Nonprofit Goes RVing to Promote Pet and Hu...( The Companion Animal Parasite Council...),Health

The Companion Animal Parasite Council heads West, driving home the importance of year-round parasite prevention to protect pets and people

BEL AIR, Md., June 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Temperate climates, high pet populations and a regional love of the outdoors make the Western United States an ideal location for the upcoming second annual Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC) Education Road Show, June 27 - July 11.

During eight stops in four states - Colorado, California, Oregon and Washington - parasitologists and veterinarians with the nonprofit CAPC (www.petsandparasites.org) will educate pet owners and families about zoonotic diseases, also known as parasitic diseases that are transmitted from pets to people, and how to prevent them. The key to prevention, experts say, is year-round parasite protection for dogs and cats.

Parasites a growing problem in the West

"There are parasites and zoonotic disease, sometimes a higher-than-expected incidence, in every Western city on our Road Show schedule," said Michael Paul, DVM, executive director of the CAPC. "Parasites can be found in all 50 states, every day of the year, regardless of the weather."

Heartworm and other common parasitic diseases were virtually non-existent in the West 50 years ago. Now, these diseases are spreading rapidly due to a changing landscape and influx of people from different parts of the country. With increasing acreage under irrigation, climates are less arid. And, more moisture means more parasites.

Another reason that parasites and the diseases they carry are on the rise in the West is because large numbers of people - and their pets - continue to relocate to this part of the United States, known as a desirable place to live. Many of these new residents bring with them dogs and cats that already have parasites.