A new UK study has measured the significant health and economic benefits of routine parasite prevention in dogs and cats.
It found that current prevention methods potentially protect pets from over 5.5 million infections a year and as a result, save UK households around £53 million in veterinary costs, rising to £95.2m with optimal coverage.
The study, published in Parasites and Vectors and conducted by experts from Kreavet, the University of Nottingham, ESCCAP and ESCCAP UK & Ireland, is the first national model to calculate both the scale of infections avoided and the financial value of preventive parasite control to pet owners.
Using data on treatment usage, parasite prevalence and associated costs, the authors modelled infection outcomes across current and “optimal compliance” scenarios. In the optimal scenario, the number of prevented infections could increase by 70.6%, reaching 9.3m annually.
The analysis assessed the impact of routine control measures against fleas, ticks, roundworms, and lungworms in companion animals.
The research found that, annually, parasite prevention avoided over 2.3 million flea infestations and more than two million tick infestations in UK dogs and cats.
Flea prevention alone was found to save households around £32.2 million each year through avoided veterinary treatments and home decontamination costs.
Professor Hany Elsheikha, head of ESCCAP UK & Ireland, said: “This study provides the first national quantification of how many infections and infestations routine parasite control prevents in UK pets each year. Our modelling shows that preventive treatments make an important contribution to animal health, public health and household finances.
“By improving our understanding of the effects of parasite control on pet health, we can prevent more infections every year, reducing the risks for animals and families and the pressures on veterinary services.”
The authors noted that parasite incidents are increasing, with expanding tick and lungworm populations and reports of flea activity in UK homes becoming more frequent.
They also highlighted that inconsistent owner compliance remains a barrier to parasite control.
Professor Elsheikha continued: “While our study highlights substantial health and economic benefits of preventive parasite control, it’s crucial that we continue to undertake research that helps the veterinary and pet communities understand how preventive care protects not only pets, but the people around them.
“At the same time, ongoing work is needed to better understand environmental pathways and to promote the sustainable, risk-based use of parasiticides.”
