[The prevalence of heart worm (Dirofilaria immitis) in dogs of Curaçao].

In view of its distribution in (sub)tropical areas, heartworm in dogs is of increasing importance as an import disease, also in the Netherlands. The present study is particularly concerned with the prevalence of the asymptomatic forms of this disease in Curaçao. In this study 631 blood samples were tested. Sixty-six dogs (10 per cent) were found to be infected with Dirofilaria. Haemoglobin and haematocrit levels were determined. Breed, age, sex and major symptoms were recorded. The prevalence of the worm in males (12.8 per cent) was significantly higher than it was in females (7.2 per cent). Of the infected animals, 39 per cent were asymptomatic carriers of the disease, two of them being about to be shipped to the Netherlands. Heartworm disease therefore is a real possibility in imported dogs in the Netherlands and this diagnosis should be considered in animals showing pulmonary and circulatory problems. The life cycle, therapy and prevention of Dirofilaria immitis are discussed.