A new UK study, conducted by Kreavet has measured the significant health and economic benefits of routine parasite prevention in dogs and cats.
It found that current prevention methods probably protect pets from over 5.5 million infections a year and as a result, save UK households around £53 million in veterinary costs, rising to £95.2 million with optimal coverage.
Our study was published in Parasites and Vectors and conducted together with experts from University of Nottingham, ESCCAP and ESCCAP UK & Ireland. It is the first national model to calculate both the scale of infections avoided and the financial value of preventive parasite control to pet owners.
Using data on treatment usage, parasite prevalence and associated costs, we modelled infection outcomes across current and “optimal compliance” scenarios. The assessed infections included those with fleas, ticks, roundworms, and lungworms in dogs and cats.
The biggest impact was on flea and tick infections, with an estimated number of prevented cases of 2.3 and 2.2 million, respectively. Our study further revealed that only a small proportion of companion animals are currently treated according to specialist guidelines and the number of prevented cases could raise further substantially with higher compliance rates to these guidelines.
Professor Hany Elsheikha, Head of ESCCAP UK & Ireland, said:
“This study provides the first national quantification of how many infections and infestations routine parasite control prevents in UK pets each year. Our modelling shows that preventive treatments make an important contribution to animal health, public health and household finances.
“By improving our understanding of the effects of parasite control on pet health, we can prevent more infections every year, reducing the risks for animals and families and the pressures on veterinary services.”
The authors noted that parasite incidents are increasing, with expanding tick and lungworm populations and reports of flea activity in UK homes becoming more frequent.
They also highlighted that inconsistent owner compliance remains a barrier to parasite control.
Professor Elsheikha, University of Nottingham, added:
“While our study highlights substantial health and economic benefits of preventive parasite control, it’s crucial that we continue to undertake research that helps the veterinary and pet communities understand how preventive care protects not only pets, but the people around them. At the same time, ongoing work is needed to better understand environmental pathways and to promote the sustainable, risk-based use of parasiticides.”
Johannes Charlier, CEO Kreavet, added:
“Socio-economic impact studies have so far mostly focussed on livestock diseases. It is time we also assess impact oft companion animal diseases and the benefits of prevention thereof. This will help us to improve prevention and build healthier societies”.
