TroCCAP recommendations for the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of parasitic infections in dogs and cats in the tropics

Abstract

The Tropical Council for Companion Animal Parasites Ltd. (TroCCAP) is a not-forprofit organisation whose mission is to independently inform, guide and make bestpractice recommendations for the diagnosis, treatment and control of companion animal parasites in the tropics and sub-tropics, with the aim of protecting animal and human health. In line with this primary mission, TroCCAP recently developed guidelines for the diagnosis, treatment and control of feline and canine parasites in the tropics. The development of these guidelines required unique and complex considerations to be addressed, often inapplicable to developed nations. Much of the tropics encompass middle-to-low income countries in which poor standards of environmental hygiene and large populations of stray dogs and cats coexist. In these regions, a range of parasites pose a high risk to companion animals, which ultimately may place their owners at risk of acquiring parasitic zoonoses. These considerations led to the development of unique recommendations with regard, for example, to deworming and endoparasite testing intervals for the control of both global and 'region-specific' parasites in the tropics.Moreover, the 'off-' or 'extra'-label use of drugs for the treatment and control of parasitic infections is common practice in many tropical countries and many generic products lack manufacturers' information on efficacy, safety, and quality control.Recommendations and advice concerning the use of such drugs and protocols are also addressed in these guidelines. The formation of these guidelines is an important first step towards improving the education of veterinarians specifically regarding bestpractice for the diagnosis, treatment and control of canine and feline parasites in the tropics.

Development of a low-cost copro-LAMP assay for simultaneous copro-detection of Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati

“…Heavy burdens with T. canis in pups may produce ill thrift, stunting, abdominal discomfort (pups adopt a straddle-legged posture and a pot-bellied appearance), anorexia, diarrhoea and vomiting (adult worms may be expelled). Occasional gastrointestinal obstruction and death may also occur (Dantas-Torres et al, 2020). In the feline host, clinical signs depend on the burden of infection, low burden T. cati infections may be subclinical in kittens but those infected with T. cati, especially by the trans-mammary route, may present with cachexia, pot-bellied appearance, respiratory disorders, diarrhoea, vomiting and other signs as early as 3 weeks of age.…”

“…In the feline host, clinical signs depend on the burden of infection, low burden T. cati infections may be subclinical in kittens but those infected with T. cati, especially by the trans-mammary route, may present with cachexia, pot-bellied appearance, respiratory disorders, diarrhoea, vomiting and other signs as early as 3 weeks of age. Heavy infections may cause intestinal blockage or intussusceptions in kittens, which are potentially fatal (Dantas-Torres et al, 2020).…”

“…Diagnosis of intestinal zoonotic parasites is based on the microscopic detection of cyst/oocysts/eggs in the feces (Dantas-Torres et al, 2020). The eggs of T. canis and T. cati can be distinguished morphologically from each other in the definitive host (Warren, 1969;Uga et al, 2000).…”

Long-term and acute safety of a novel orally administered combination drug product containing milbemycin oxime and lotilaner (Credelio® Plus) in juvenile and adult dogs

“…The use of Credelio ® Plus as a broad spectrum endectocide that pet owners and veterinarians can use to effectively treat dogs with adult and immature intestinal nematode infections supports the recommendations from scientific expert groups such as ESCCAP, CAPC and TroCCAP to provide regular treatment and control of all intestinal nematodes of dogs and cats [ 28 – 30 ]. Furthermore, it is recommended by global veterinary practice guidelines (e.g.…”

Effectiveness of a novel orally administered combination drug product containing milbemycin oxime and lotilaner (Credelio® Plus) for the treatment of larval and immature adult stages of Ancylostoma caninum in experimentally infected dogs

“…This includes dogs maintained in their home environment as well as pets that contact other dogs or visit places contaminated by dog feces because these circumstances may support transmission of parasites [ 32 , 33 ]. The use of Credelio Plus as a broad spectrum endectocide that pet owners and veterinarians can use to effectively treat dogs with adult and immature intestinal nematode infections supports the recommendations from scientific expert groups such as ESCCAP and TroCCAP to provide regular treatment and control of all intestinal nematodes of dogs and cats [ 34 , 35 ]. If A. caninum is a concern based on past infections or exposure to contaminated areas, deworming at least four times a year should be considered if dogs and cats are housed outside or have access to the outdoors.…”