City of Los Angeles

Department of Animal Services

Heart Worm alert and press release

4/28/2010

Today, the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito & Vector Control District sent out a press release to notify the public that they had detected more western treehole mosquitoes (a vector of canine heartworm) in the San Gabriel Valley this month (see attached press release). Heartworm, a parasitic infection spread by mosquitoes, can infect both dogs and cats. The disease has been fairly rare in Los Angeles County, with most pets becoming infected when they travel to heartworm enzootic areas in the country. However, last year our program has received 23 heartworm reports from local veterinarians, with 11 of the pets appearing to have contracted the disease locally. Some of the owners declined treatment, raising the concern that these pets might serve as a local reservoir for infection. Also, coyotes may become local reservoirs if infected.

Pets should not be left outside when mosquitoes are present.

If you have any questions, please contact us at 877-747-2243. On April 30th, our program is moving to a new location. Our new phone number will be 213-989-7060 and our fax number will be 213-481-2375. Please see our website (publichealth.lacounty.gov/vet/Forms.htm) for updated forms. Completed heartworm case reports may be faxed to our program. Thank you for your assistance with local animal disease surveillance.