Source: dvm 360
Heartworm infections cause severe, irreversible damage in dogs, making preventative compliance critical in veterinary medicine. At the 2025 WVC Annual Conference, Dr. Chris Adolph presented new research on heartworm resistance surveillance, emphasizing the rising prevalence of resistant heartworms in the U.S.
According to the American Heartworm Society (AHS), most medication failures stem from missed or delayed doses. However, increasing reports of dogs testing positive despite proper medication use indicate evolving resistance over the past 40 years. Data from 2001 to 2022 shows a notable increase in heartworm cases, particularly in the southeastern U.S., where prevalence grew 17.9% from 2013 to 2016. Studies also reveal that two-thirds of dogs receive no heartworm prevention annually, worsening the issue. Dr. Adolph stressed the role of dog transport in spreading resistant heartworms and urged veterinarians to educate pet owners on the importance of year-round prevention to combat rising resistance and infection rates.
Read the full story HERE: https://www.dvm360.com/view/updates-on-the-current-state-of-heartworm-resistance