According to the American Heartworm Society, heartworm disease has been diagnosed in all 50 states. Although the intensity of cases are more severe in the swampy areas of Lousiana, Georgia, and throughout the southeastern United States, Taylorsville area pets are at risk of getting the disease as well. In essence, anywhere that mosquitoes exist, pets are at risk of heartworm disease. If you have been bitten by a mosquito around your home, chances are your pet has as well. The American Heartworm Society advice is to have your dog tested for heartworms once every 12 months and to give a preventive treatment once a month. We encourage you to discuss this advice with your veternarian to develop a plan that is right for you and your pet.

The above image is from the American Heartworm Society and shows the incidence of heartworm as reported by veterinary clinics across the United States. In large swaths of the western desert, the incidence rate is very low. This is probably due to a lower population density as well as fewer mosquitoes due to the lack of water in the area. The areas along the Wasatch Front show approximately 1-5 cases per clinic per year. This rate has been constant over the past several years.

For more information, please see your veterinarian. The site American Heartworm Society is also quite useful.