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With the UK still experiencing low temperatures outside, centrally heated homes provide welcome environments for parasites to thrive in and can become breeding grounds, according to experts.

As part of its 2015 parasite protection initiative, Bayer Animal Health - makers of Advocate, Drontal and Profender - are launching ‘Home Invaders’, a national campaign that will shine a light on the fleas and intestinal worms that live on our pets and in our homes. It aims to educate pet owners about the importance of flea and worm protection and encourage them to talk to their vet about year-round parasite control for happy, healthy pets and families. In support of the campaign, a panel of parasite and veterinary experts have been recruited to contribute to a Home Invaders report which will be published, detailing this secret parasite world of micro-beast invaders. Enlisted to the panel is: Professor Richard Wall from University of Bristol, Professor Geoff Hide from University of Salford, Veterinary surgeon Paul Manktelow, Vet and member of the European Scientific Counsel Companion Animal Parasites (ESCCAP) Ian Wright and Technical Manager Richard Moseley from the British Pest Control Association.

A CSI style investigative documentary will also be filmed, presented by Channel 4’s Phil Spencer and Paul Manktelow, to highlight what parasite infestations could lurk undetected in a typical family home and how they survive. The documentary will use innovative techniques including ultra-violet filming to show potential parasite hot spots.

Fleas can cause skin disease in both humans and animals with 50 per cent of fleas found to be carrying at least one pathogen, for example feline infectious anaemia1 Half of all dogs in another study were found to have some parasite eggs in their coat2 and 50 per cent of owners of pets shown to have fleas by their vet were completely unaware their pet had fleas3. Furthermore, Toxocara eggs have been found in 1 in 5 soil samples taken from parks4.

Paul Manktelow, Veterinary Surgeon, founder of Vital Pet Health and co-presenter of the Home Invaders documentary, says: “Owner education is key when it comes to communicating the risk from parasites such as fleas and worms and the Home Invaders campaign will help to spread this message. Awareness of the spot-on treatments available in this area is crucial to ensure owners are giving their pets and themselves the best chance of avoiding flea and worm borne diseases.”

Richard Wall, Professor of Zoology at Bristol University, says: “Only 1-5 per cent of the flea population is actually represented by the adults on a host and is really just the tip of the iceberg. The remaining 95 per cent is hidden in the environment. They may be found in a wide variety of locations within the domestic environment, including wooden flooring and car upholstery.”

Vet and parasitologist Ian Wright said: “A key part of being a responsible pet owner is ensuring that you protect your dog or cat from fleas. It’s important to take a holistic approach by treating your pet regularly, and spraying your home with an insecticide spray if an infestation does occur. We are encouraging cat and dog owners to visit their local practice to discuss the best way to protect their pets from fleas and other parasites.”

Vicky McAlister, Senior Product Manager at Bayer Animal Health says: “In order to keep pets and families healthy it’s of vital importance to not only kill the existing parasites, but also prevent the parasite lifecycle from continuing. The Home Invaders campaign is launching to encourage owners to speak to their vet about using a spot-on treatment, preventing fleas and worms from spreading and enjoying life with a happy, healthy pet.

The main campaign call to action is to encourage pet owners to visit their vet practice for information on preventative parasite advice and increase their compliance to use a spot-on treatment. Pets make great companions and can be a source of emotional support for their owners, and parasite protection is part of the care owners are encouraged to provide in return.”

The Bayer range of parasiticides can be easily combined in accordance with each pet’s individual needs and also to fit in with the lifestyle of the pet owner, for example Seresto is a perfect bolt on to Advocate should a dog or cat live in a tick area. Seresto can also be combined with Profender in cats to offer simple and certain worming and flea and tick control.

As part of the campaign veterinary professionals can expect to receive a digital toolkit, waiting room display materials, and the fully published campaign report and final ‘Home Invaders’ video to support client consultations.

Bayer consumer campaigns are designed to drive pet owners into your practice, so to make the most of this exciting campaign speak to your Bayer Territory Manager. ‘Home Invaders is part of Bayer Animal Health’s wider ‘It’s a Jungle Out There’ parasite protection initiative. You can help spread the word, and read the experiences of other vets at www.facebook.com/jungleforpets or by following ‘JungleForPets’ on Twitter.
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