Serological survey for heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) in dogs in Washington.
The serologic prevalence of Dirofilaria immitis infection in 601 dogs in Washington was investigated in 1989-1990. Blood samples for serum were obtained from dogs approximately 2 yr of age or older in humane society shelters (n = 392) or veterinary clinics (n = 209). Serum samples were tested for heartworm infection using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay antigen test. Three (0.5%) dogs were positive for D. immitis infection, all of which were born and lived several years in states other than Washington. Heartworms have not been detected during the last 9 yr in the 1,203 dogs examined at the Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, Pullman, Washington. Consequently, the likelihood of indigenous heartworm infections in dogs in Washington remains low at this time.
Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman 99164.
W J
WJ
Foreyt
J E
JE
Lagerquist
D000818:Animals; D000909:Antibodies, Helminth / Q000097:blood*; D004183:Dirofilaria immitis / Q000276:immunology*; D004184:Dirofilariasis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D004285:Dogs; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D014861:Washington / Q000453:epidemiology
D000909:Antibodies, Helminth