Pet Health & Vet Science — 2026-04-28
Canine heartworm disease has expanded into unexpected cooler, drier regions across the U.S., with Texas topping the nation in incidence according to a newly released 2026 American Heartworm Society map. Simultaneously, the Companion Animal Parasite Council's 2026 Pet Parasite Forecast warns of continued geographic expansion of Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis, and heartworm risk — calling for year-round prevention. On the clinical front, the FDA has granted emergency use authorization for a spray to prevent and treat screwworm, and researchers are reporting new gene similarities between feline and human cancers.
Pet Health & Vet Science — 2026-04-28
Top Stories Today
Texas Tops Nation in Heartworm Cases as Parasite Expands into Unexpected Regions
- What happened: The recently released 2026 Heartworm Incidence Map from the American Heartworm Society shows canine heartworm incidence expanding into areas that are cooler, drier and far from the traditionally high-risk warmer, humid Gulf Coast and Southeast. The AHS estimates that at least 1.1 million dogs in the U.S. are currently positive for heartworm.
- Why pet owners should care: If you live in a region previously considered low-risk, your dog may still need year-round heartworm prevention. Warmer winters and changing mosquito migration patterns are driving transmission into new geographic zones. Talk to your vet about preventive medication if you haven't already.
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Growing Risk of Pet Parasites Means Year-Round Prevention Is Essential, CAPC Says
- What happened: The Companion Animal Parasite Council's (CAPC) 2026 Pet Parasite Forecast predicts continued geographic expansion of Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis, and heartworm risk nationwide — including in areas once considered low or moderate risk. CAPC is urging veterinarians and pet owners to treat parasite prevention as a year-round necessity rather than a seasonal concern.
- Why pet owners should care: Tick-borne diseases like Lyme and ehrlichiosis can cause serious, sometimes life-threatening illness in dogs — and some can be transmitted to humans. The window when prevention matters is no longer limited to spring and summer; these parasites are active in more months and more places than ever before.
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FDA Grants Emergency Use Authorization for Spray to Prevent and Treat Screwworm
- What happened: The FDA has granted emergency use authorization (EUA) for a spray product designed to prevent and treat screwworm infestations in animals. Screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax) is a flesh-eating parasite that can cause severe wounds and death in livestock and pets if untreated.
- Why pet owners should care: While screwworm eradication programs have largely eliminated the parasite from the continental U.S., outbreaks in neighboring regions pose an ongoing risk — particularly for animals near borders or in travel situations. The EUA expands treatment options for veterinarians and animal owners responding to confirmed or suspected cases.
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Study Finds Similarities in Genes That Drive Cancer in Cats and Humans
- What happened: New research highlighted by AVMA has identified significant similarities in the genes responsible for driving cancer development in cats compared to humans. This finding opens a potential path for cross-species cancer research — using feline cancer models to better understand human cancers and vice versa.
- Why pet owners should care: Cats are frequently diagnosed with aggressive cancers such as oral squamous cell carcinoma and lymphoma. Better understanding of the genetic underpinnings could lead to improved diagnostics and treatments for both cats and humans. It also underscores the "One Health" model that links animal and human medicine.
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Safety Alerts & Recalls
Note: The most recent FDA animal product recall listed in search results was dated February 24, 2026, which falls outside our 7-day coverage window (after 2026-04-21). The FDA's animal veterinary recalls page shows a download dated 04/22/2026, but no specific recall details were retrievable within this timeframe. Pet owners should check directly for the latest advisories.
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Product/Issue: Ongoing advisory — Year-round parasite prevention gap
- Affected pets: Dogs and cats of all breeds and ages across the continental U.S., particularly in areas newly flagged by the 2026 CAPC Parasite Forecast
- Action required: Contact your veterinarian to ensure your pet is on an appropriate year-round flea, tick, and heartworm prevention protocol. Do not assume geographic location provides protection.
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Product/Issue: Screwworm exposure risk (emergency authorization issued)
- Affected pets: Livestock, dogs, cats, and other animals, particularly those in border regions or with travel exposure
- Action required: If you notice unusual open wounds or maggot-like activity in a wound, contact a veterinarian immediately. The FDA EUA has expanded treatment options for confirmed or suspected cases.
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Clinical Research & Breakthroughs
New Diagnostic Tools for Identifying Early Stages of Canine Dementia
- Finding: Researchers have developed new diagnostic tools capable of identifying the early stages of canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS), the dog equivalent of dementia. Early identification allows for earlier intervention with environmental enrichment, dietary management, and medications that may slow cognitive decline.
- Species/condition: Dogs; canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS / canine dementia)
- Clinical relevance: Many dogs go undiagnosed because owners attribute behavioral changes (confusion, altered sleep cycles, loss of housetraining) to "normal aging." Earlier diagnosis means earlier treatment and potentially a better quality of life for senior dogs.
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FDA Approves First Oral Treatment for Canine Lymphoma
- Finding: The FDA has approved the first oral treatment for canine lymphoma, a common and often rapidly fatal cancer in dogs. The availability of an oral option offers an alternative to IV chemotherapy regimens and may improve owner compliance and quality of life for affected dogs.
- Species/condition: Dogs; lymphoma (most common canine cancer)
- Clinical relevance: Canine lymphoma is one of the most prevalent cancers in dogs, and until now treatment options have primarily involved clinic-based IV chemotherapy. An oral treatment option gives owners and veterinarians more flexibility in managing this disease, particularly for dogs that are poor candidates for frequent clinic visits.
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Freeze-Dried Plasma Now an Option for Canine Emergency Treatment
- Finding: Freeze-dried plasma has been cleared as an option for emergency treatment in dogs, providing a shelf-stable blood product that can be reconstituted and administered when fresh frozen plasma is unavailable. This is significant for emergency clinics and practices in remote areas.
- Species/condition: Dogs; emergency/critical care medicine
- Clinical relevance: Access to plasma products in emergencies — such as trauma, coagulopathies, or parvovirus — can be life-saving but has historically been limited by cold-chain logistics. Freeze-dried plasma dramatically improves availability and could become a standard emergency medicine staple.
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Trending Topics in Veterinary Practice
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AI and data tools in veterinary diagnosis: UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine's 2026 Year in Review highlighted an increasing use of AI and data tools for animal health diagnosis and treatment, including research on antimicrobial resistance in pets, gene-longevity studies in golden retrievers, and improved analytics across species.
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Rise in antimicrobial resistance in pets: UC Davis researchers flagged a continued rise in antimicrobial resistance in companion animals as a priority concern, underscoring the importance of judicious antibiotic prescribing in veterinary medicine and reducing antibiotic overuse in everyday practice.
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New veterinary school enrollment: Arkansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine has officially begun recruiting its first cohort of students for fall 2026 after receiving a letter of reasonable assurance from the AVMA Council on Education — representing the state's first veterinary college and a step toward addressing large-animal vet shortages in the South.
Pet Wellness Tip of the Day
- The tip: Ask your veterinarian about year-round heartworm and tick prevention — even if you live in a traditionally cooler or drier climate. Given 2026 CAPC and AHS data showing expanded parasite risk into new geographic zones, previous assumptions about "safe" regions no longer hold.
- Why it works: Mosquitoes (which carry heartworm larvae) and ticks (which transmit Lyme, ehrlichiosis, and anaplasmosis) are expanding their ranges due to milder winters and shifting climate patterns. Once a pet is infected with heartworm, treatment is costly, stressful, and carries real risk; prevention costs a fraction of treatment. Monthly preventives remain highly effective when used consistently throughout the year.
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What to Watch Next
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FDA oral canine lymphoma treatment rollout: With the FDA approval of the first oral treatment for canine lymphoma announced this week, watch for veterinary oncologists to begin incorporating it into standard care protocols over the coming months. Clinical experience data will help refine dosing and combination strategies.
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Two new animal biologics for itch and kennel cough: AVMA flagged that two new animal biologics — one to control itch and one to protect against kennel cough — are "coming soon." Expect formal announcements and prescribing availability updates from veterinary pharmaceutical manufacturers in the weeks ahead.
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Screwworm spread monitoring: With the FDA's new emergency use authorization for screwworm treatment, federal and state animal health agencies will likely step up surveillance at borders. Pet owners traveling to affected regions or importing animals should follow updated USDA guidance.
Reader Action Items
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Check your pet's parasite prevention status today: Pull out your pet's last vet records and confirm they're current on heartworm testing and on a year-round heartworm + flea/tick preventive protocol, especially given new 2026 data showing expanded parasite risk across the U.S.
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Ask your veterinarian about the new FDA-approved oral canine lymphoma treatment: If you have a dog with lymphoma or a breed with elevated cancer risk (such as golden retrievers, boxers, or rottweilers), ask your vet whether the new oral lymphoma treatment may be relevant to your dog's care plan.
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Bookmark AVMA's breaking news hub for real-time updates on FDA approvals, safety alerts, and clinical advisories:
This content was collected, curated, and summarized entirely by AI — including how and what to gather. It may contain inaccuracies. Crew does not guarantee the accuracy of any information presented here. Always verify facts on your own before acting on them. Crew assumes no legal liability for any consequences arising from reliance on this content.
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