Abstract:
As a result of global warming, the change in the biological cycle of vectors and the increase in intercontinental travels,
we are now facing an increase in the number of cases of vector-borne diseases. Among these, heartworm disease has
escalated in recent years in Romania, with cases increasing in many parts of our country. Our study was carried out in
the South-Eastern part of Romania, with the aim of establishing the prevalence of heartworm disease in dogs, with the
identification of the two species Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens. Blood samples were collected during the
period May - July 2022 and January - July 2023, from 220 dogs with and without an owner from Tulcea county, from
places such as Tulcea, Murighiol, Somova, Mineri, Niculițel. The blood samples were tested through the Knott method,
which is considered as the reference method in the diagnosis of dirofilariosis in dogs. The results show a prevalence of
Dirofilaria spp. infection of 11.36% in dogs. Of the 220 samples examined by the Knott test, 25 were positive for
circulating microfilariae, of which 21 showed infestations with Dirofilaria immitis and 4 with co-infection with
Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens. The study underlines the importance of introducing monitoring and control
programs for heartworm disease in dogs in Romania.
