AnimalhealthEurope is supporting the first-ever World Parasite Awareness Day to be observed on 20 March as part of a global initiative to raise awareness about the health risks parasites pose to pets and people. The effort is backed by more than 30 leading organisations, including veterinary associations, parasite councils, parasitology groups, and more, which collectively represent veterinarians, parasitologists, researchers, and animal health experts across the world.

An open letter signed by these organisations calls for greater attention to parasite control, emphasising that protecting pets means protecting public health. From fleas and ticks to worms and other parasites, these threats can lead to serious illness in animals and, in some cases, put human health at risk.

The letter draws attention to the spread of parasites as a result of the changing climate and increased global movement. For example, heartworm has expanded in Europe in recent years as well as moving into more northern regions of North America, where historical prevalence has been low.

“World Parasite Awareness Day is a perfect time to reflect on the rapidly evolving challenge to human and animal health that parasites present. It is also an excellent opportunity to raise awareness of these issues among pet owners and direct them to organisations which can give simple but effective evidence-based parasite control advice,” said Ian Wright, Chairman of the European Scientific Counsel Companion Animal Parasites (ESCCAP).

World Parasite Awareness Day will take place annually on March 20, aligning with the first day of spring in the Northern Hemisphere—a time when parasite risks increase in many regions. The campaign encourages pet owners to work with veterinarians, to understand local parasite risks, and adopt best practices, and develop a protection plan tailored to their animals’ needs.

“FECAVA are delighted to support World Parasite Awareness Day. Companion Animal veterinarians understand that parasite control is critical to pet health and pet owner health. We engage with pet owners daily to assess risk in order to determine a parasite treatment and control plan suitable for each pet. This ensures responsible use of medicines as part of our shared One Health,” said Danny Holmes, President of the Federation of European Companion Animal Veterinary Associations (FECAVA).

The initiative calls on policymakers, veterinarians, and pet owners to take action by learning more about parasite control and sharing information.

“Protecting our pets from parasites isn’t just about their well-being, it’s about protecting our own health, our families, and the deep, irreplaceable bond we share with the animals who trust us. By staying informed and proactive, we can reduce the risks, protect our pets, and safeguard public health,” said Roxane Feller, Secretary General of AnimalhealthEurope.

For more details on World Parasite Awareness Day and to read the full open letter, visit www.ParasiteAwarenessDay.com.

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Supporters
• World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA)
• World Veterinary Association (WVA)
• Federation of European Companion Animal Veterinary Associations (FECAVA)
• Federation of Veterinarians of Europe (FVE)
• German Small Animal Veterinary Association (DGK-DVG)
• German Veterinarians Association (DVG)
• American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
• Madrid Companion Animal Veterinary Association (AMVAC)
• European Scientific Counsel Companion Animal Parasites (ESCCAP)
• Tropical Council for Companion Animal Parasites (TROCCAP)
• American Association of Veterinary Parasitologists (AAVP)
• Brazilian College of Veterinary Parasitology (BCVP)
• US National Center for Veterinary Parasitology (NCVP)
• European Society of Dirofilariosis and Angiostrongylosis (ESDA)
• LeishVet
• Australian Society for Parasitology
• Pet Alliance Europe
• American Kennel Club
• European Platform for Responsible Use of Medicines in Animals (EPRUMA)
• UK RUMA Companion Animals and Equine (RUMA CAE)
• UK Responsible use of Medicines in Agriculture Alliance (RUMA)
• UK Animal Medicines Training Regulatory Authority (AMTRA)
• Diagnostics for Animals
• AnimalhealthEurope
• US Animal Health Institute (AHI)
• HealthforAnimals
• French animal health association (SIMV)
• German animal health association (BfT)
• Spanish animal health association (Veterindustria)
• Polish animal health association (Polprowet)
• UK National Office of Animal Health (NOAH)
• Canadian Animal Health Institute (CAHI)
• South African Animal Health Association (SAAHA)
• Animal Medicines Australia