Heartworm Disease Expands to All 50 States, Vets Urge Year-Round Prevention
Heartworm disease, once considered a problem primarily in warm states, has now been diagnosed in all 50 states, according to the American Heartworm Society. The spread is attributed to environmental changes and urban microclimates that allow mosquito vectors to survive longer. Dr. Sandra Faeh, a small animal veterinarian, emphasizes the importance of year-round preventive measures for pets, as heartworm larvae require warm conditions to develop inside mosquitoes. The disease has seen significant increases in regions like the Midwest, Northeast, and West Coast, areas previously considered low-risk. The American Veterinary Medical Association supports the recommendation for continuous preventive care to protect pets from this potentially life-threatening condition. 
