WILMINGTON, DE—The American Heartworm Society (AHS) is urging veterinarians to contribute their clinics’ heartworm incidence data to the 2016 Heartworm Incidence Survey. Every three years, thousands of veterinary practices and animal shelters submit the data that generates the AHS’ detailed heartworm incidence map. The AHS maps, which date back to 2001, are widely used by veterinarians, animal shelters, animal rescue organizations and reporters to educate the pet-owning public about the threat of heartworm disease. The maps also provide vital insights for veterinary professionals about trends in heartworm incidence and the spread of heartworms into what were once considered “non-endemic” areas.

“The more veterinary practices that provide information, the more detailed and useful the map can be,” stated AHS President Chris Rehm, DVM. “We urge every practice—large or small—to take a few short minutes to submit their data.”

Incidence data is sought on a per-practice basis, and veterinarians can choose between entering their clinic’s 2016 (calendar year) heartworm incidence numbers online or via a printed survey that arrives in practices mid-January. The deadline to submit clinic data is February 14^, 2017—Valentine’s Day.

The new 2016 AHS map will be made available in April as part of Heartworm Awareness Month.