246 - Heartworm infection rates across the Sacramento and Yolo counties

Abstract: Heartworm disease, caused by the parasite Dirofilaria immitis, poses a serious threat to pets in the United States, particularly in California’s Central Valley. The disease is transmitted primarily by the western tree-hole mosquito (Aedes sierrensis), though several other mosquito species, such as Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus, may also play a role in its transmission. In 2023, Sacramento County reported 266 positive cases of heartworm in dogs, resulting in a positivity rate of 0.32%, while Yolo County had 57 positive cases with a rate of 0.55%. This project aims to establish a baseline infection rate of heartworm in local mosquito populations across various landscapes, including dog parks and the Sacramento Zoo, which houses nearly 400 animals, some of which are at risk for heartworm. By trapping, pooling, and testing mosquitoes throughout the 2024 season and in collaboration with the University of the Pacific, we seek to understand the prevalence of heartworm in these populations, enhancing our capacity to manage and prevent this serious disease.