The UK is facing a rapidly evolving landscape of companion animal infectious disease risk driven by environmental change, increasing animal movement and evolving biosecurity pressures. Rising temperatures are enabling the expansion of vector populations, including ticks and mosquitoes, facilitating the establishment of pathogens previously considered exotic. Increased pet travel and importation further amplify exposure pathways. Concurrently, gaps in public understanding of disease transmission and legal import requirements may inadvertently contribute to disease introduction and local transmission. The presence of subclinical infections and limitations in routine screening further increase the likelihood of undetected spread, raising significant concerns for both animal and public health. This article summarises current evidence on emerging parasitic threats, highlights key surveillance developments and outlines the implications for veterinary professionals, particularly veterinary nurses operating at the frontline of clinical detection and disease prevention.
Hany Elsheikha (Sat,) studied this question.