Every day, many pets face an often-invisible risk – parasites. Fleas, ticks, worms and other parasites don’t just make animals uncomfortable; they can lead to serious illness and even life-threatening conditions if left untreated. Furthermore, some parasites and the diseases they cause can spread to humans, putting households at risk.

That is why 30+ veterinary experts, parasite councils, researchers, veterinary associations and parasitology groups have come together to launch World Parasite Awareness Day, an annual event held on 20th March dedicated to raising awareness and fighting back against this preventable threat.

We recognise that the world is changing. As climate shifts, travel increases and animals move more freely, parasites can spread to new areas, putting pets and people at risk if left unprotected.

For instance, Europe has seen an expansion in heartworm distribution in recent years, while in North America, surveillance data shows heartworm moving north into regions with historically low prevalence including the U.S. mid-Atlantic, Northeast, and even parts of Canada. In Latin America and Africa, free-roaming animal populations can be reservoirs of dangerous parasites like Echinococcus and diseases like Chagas.

On 20^th March 2025 – the first ever World Parasite Awareness Day – we want to remind pet owners that while parasites are a risk to pets and people, they can be controlled and disease risk minimised. While strategies will be different across the world, they can all involve:

• Working with a veterinarian to understand a pet’s risk and how to best control parasites.
• Understanding the types of parasites in an area to ensure control strategies are adequate.
• Encouraging best practices such as good hygiene when cleaning up pet waste.
• Having a protection plan in place tailored to each animal’s needs and ensuring it remains effective.

Protecting pets from parasites isn’t just about their well-being, it’s about protecting our own health, our families, and the deep, irreplaceable bond we share with the animals who trust us. By keeping people informed and being proactive, we can reduce the risks, protect pets and safeguard public health.

We invite everyone to join us on this mission and stand up for the health of pets everywhere.  You can help spread the word and join the discussion online with the hashtag #ParasiteAwarenessDay.

When we protect our pets, we protect ourselves.