Mosquito Vectors of Dog Heartworm in the United States: Vector Status and Factors Influencing Transmission Efficiency

Dog heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) is dependent on mosquito vectors for its maintenance and transmission among vertebrate hosts. Consequently, D. immitis abundance and distribution are closely linked with mosquito vector biology and ecology. Information on the important dog heartworm vectors in the United States is limited and no comprehensive surveillance of dog heartworm in US mosquitoes has been undertaken to date. Here, we review information gleaned from a number of field surveys documenting heartworm presence in wild mosquito populations as well as laboratory assessments of mosquito vector capacity. Various biological and ecological factors likely contribute to the relative importance of different vector species. We describe some of these factors, rank the leading criteria for efficient vectors, and present the most likely vector species found across the United States. Considering the recent emergence of drug resistance among D. immitis strains, practical knowledge of heartworm vector biology and control should be incorporated into heartworm disease management programs. We conclude by proposing that heartworm control would benefit by targeting mosquito vectors, and we suggest ways in which veterinarians can incorporate the recognition of vector importance into heartworm prevention recommendations imparted to clients.