Mary Allen
Mediterranean diseases, heartworms, fox tapeworms… You should take precautions in good time to ensure that your dog does not bring unwanted souvenirs back from your holiday.
Parasite Distribution Map of Europe
You can now find a free travel test at www.esccap.de. Simply click on your holiday destination on the ESCAPE map of Europe and you will immediately receive an overview with all the information that is important for protecting your four-legged friend from parasites! You can simply print out the overview and show it in your veterinary practice.
What Does ESCCAP Stand For?
ESCAPE (European Scientific Counsel Companion Animal Parasites, www.esccap.org) is an association of European veterinary parasitologists founded in the UK in 2006. ESCAPE works independently of industrial interests and on a non-profit basis, which is monitored by an external board of trustees.
In Germany, ESCAPE is a working group of the German Veterinary Medical Society and works closely with the Federal Veterinary Association (BTK), the Federal Association of Practicing Veterinarians (bb), and the German Society for Small Animal Medicine of the DVG (DGK-DVG). According to www.esccap.de, ESCCAP’s goal is “to provide well-founded information that helps to protect dogs and cats – but also humans (zoonoses) – from infestation with parasites and its consequences.”
World Map of Parasitic Diseases
If you are planning a holiday outside of Europe, you can find more detailed information on the spread of so-called vector diseases (Vector-Borne Diseases), which are transmitted by parasites such as fleas, ticks, or mosquitoes, on the “Canine Vector-Borne Diseases” page of Bayer Health Care AG. For large countries like the USA, you can also find regional maps here. In this way, you can provide your veterinarian with precise information that he or she can use to recommend suitable preparations.
Think about Parasite Prophylaxis for Your Dog in Good Time!
A worm treatment shortly before departure is usually not enough! Vaccination against certain diseases, e.g. canine leishmaniasis, can be useful, especially if you are spending your holiday in the Mediterranean region. If your dog is being vaccinated against leishmaniasis for the first time, it needs three vaccinations at three-week intervals for adequate vaccination protection. You need to start taking precautionary measures long before your vacation.