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Cited by 35Parasitic Diseases Research and TreatmentHelminth infection and controlVector-borne infectious diseases

Expansion of canine heartworm in Spain

Open access
Montoya-Alonso, José Alberto, Morchón, Rodrigo, García-Rodríguez, Sara Nieves, Falcón-Cordón, Yaiza, Costa-Rodríguez, Noelia, Matos, Jorge Isidoro, Rodríguez Escolar, Iván, Carretón, Elena·2022·Animals
DOI 10.3390/ani12101268PMC PMC9137490
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Abstract

The climate of Spain has favourable characteristics for the development of D. immitis in dogs, being an endemic country. Given that vector-borne diseases are spreading rapidly through Europe, due to factors such as climate change, the expansion of vectors and the increased mobility of reservoir animals, the aim was to update the epidemiology of heartworm in dogs and analyse the results based on climate and other epidemiological and geo-environmental factors. To this aim, 9543 blood samples from dogs from all provinces and autonomous cities of Spain were analysed for the detection of antigens of D. immitis, obtaining a prevalence of 6.47%. The northwestern and southern provinces showed the highest prevalences, as well as in the Balearic and Canary Islands. Prevalences were higher in dogs outdoors. Furthermore, most of the positive dogs were found in regions with high humidity and water availability. This study shows, for the first time, positive cases in provinces and islands where no cases had previously been described and demonstrates the continuous expansion and consolidation of heartworm in Spain. Considering its zoonotic character, the implementation of control and awareness programmes for the prevention of D. immitis in pets is necessary.

AI snapshot

Written from the paper’s full text.

TL;DR

This study updates canine heartworm epidemiology in Spain using 9,543 dog blood samples and reports an overall *Dirofilaria immitis* antigen prevalence of 6.47%. It documents continued expansion, including first positive dogs in some previously unaffected provinces/islands, with higher prevalences in certain northwestern/southern provinces, the Balearic and Canary Islands, older dogs, and outdoor dogs.

Key findings

  • Overall prevalence was 6.47% (617/9,543). Highest prevalences were in Tenerife (17.32%), Ibiza (17.09%), Gran Canaria (16.03%), La Palma (15.65%), Cádiz (13.68%), Pontevedra (12.61%), La Gomera (11.54%), Mallorca (11.24%) and Huelva (11.11%). Positive dogs were found in all provinces and islands studied except El Hierro.
  • The study reports positive dogs for the first time in provinces/islands where no cases had previously been described, including the Basque Country, Ceuta, Melilla, and Lanzarote.
  • Prevalence differed significantly by climate (χ² = 14.67, df = 6, p < 0.0230), with significant differences between BWh and Csb (p = 0.0252) and between Csa and Csb (p = 0.0007). Prevalence increased with age (χ² = 34.32, df = 4, p < 0.0001) and was significantly higher in outdoor dogs (χ² = 107.9, df = 2, p < 0.0001).
  • Geospatially, 96.76% of infected dogs were located in areas with high edaphic water availability or close to parks/green areas (<1.5 km); the Discussion states 93.21% for the same association.

Methods

  • Blood samples from 9,543 domestic dogs were collected between September 2018 and February 2022 from 308 veterinary clinics/hospitals across Spain’s 19 autonomous communities and cities. Inclusion criteria were dogs >6 months old, no previous history of *D. immitis* infection, and no regular chemoprophylaxis.
  • Serum samples were tested for *D. immitis* antigens using immunochromatography (Uranotest® Dirofilaria, Uranovet, Barcelona, Spain); manufacturer-declared sensitivity was 94% and specificity 100% versus necropsy.
  • GIS mapping used ArcMap v.10.8 with environmental layers and postal-code georeferencing; statistical analysis used SPSS Base 20.0 with chi-square and Fisher exact tests, significance at p < 0.05.

Limitations

  • The paper states that comparisons with prior studies would be more precise if confidence intervals were available, but these had not been published.
  • Evident from the text: the antigen test’s 94% sensitivity may underestimate true prevalence, and voluntary veterinary-centre participation plus owner consent may introduce selection bias.
  • Evident from the text: excluding dogs with previous infection or regular chemoprophylaxis means prevalence may not represent the general dog population; the Results/Discussion discrepancy for the geospatial percentage (96.76% vs. 93.21%) is also an internal inconsistency.

Model-written summary. Check it against the paper before relying on it.

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.3390/ani12101268

Cites

35 of 35 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

Statistics

Nothing to recompute.

Claims the paper makes

0 of 46 cited sources checked · 0 supported · 0 flagged

  • Findingown data

    The mean prevalence of circulating D. immitis antigens in the 9543 tested dogs from Spain was 6.47%.

    “obtaining a prevalence of 6.47%”
    • Also stated in: § 3. Results · plain
      “The presence of circulating D. immitis antigens was observed in 6.47% of the samples tested (Table 1).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The dogs sampled at veterinary clinics are representative of the domestic dog population in Spain.
  • Findingown data

    Most positive dogs were found in regions with high humidity and water availability.

    “most of the positive dogs were found in regions with high humidity and water availability.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The dogs sampled at veterinary clinics are representative of the domestic dog population in Spain.
    • Rests on an assumption: Owner-reported habitat and location data are accurate.
  • Findingown data

    Prevalence was higher in dogs kept outdoors than in dogs kept indoors.

    “Prevalences were higher in dogs outdoors.”
    • Also stated in: § 3. Results · boosted
      “showing that outdoor dogs are significantly at greater risk of infection.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The dogs sampled at veterinary clinics are representative of the domestic dog population in Spain.
    • Rests on an assumption: Owner-reported habitat and location data are accurate.
  • Findingown data

    Positive dogs were found for the first time in provinces and islands where no cases had previously been described.

    “The presence of positive dogs was described for the first time in provinces and islands where previously no cases of infected dogs had been reported.”
    • Also stated in: § Abstract · boosted
      “This study shows, for the first time, positive cases in provinces and islands where no cases had previously been described”
    • Also stated in: § 5. Conclusions · plain
      “with positive cases reported for the first time in provinces and islands where previously no cases had been described.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The dogs sampled at veterinary clinics are representative of the domestic dog population in Spain.
  • Findingown data

    The highest prevalences (>11%) were found in the northwestern and southern provinces and in the Balearic and Canary Islands.

    “Prevalences exceeding 11% were located in the northwestern and southern provinces, in the Balearic and Canary Islands.”
    • Also stated in: § Abstract · plain
      “The northwestern and southern provinces showed the highest prevalences, as well as in the Balearic and Canary Islands.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The dogs sampled at veterinary clinics are representative of the domestic dog population in Spain.
  • May combine two claims. 15
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. 2

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Significant differences in overall prevalence between habitats were found (χ2 = 107.9, df = 2, p < 0.0001), with significant differences between outdoor and indoor dogs, between outdoor and indoor/outdoor dogs, and between indoor and indoor/outdoor dogs.

    “Significant differences in overall prevalence between habitats were found (χ2 = 107.9, df = 2, p < 0.0001), significant differences being found between outdoor and indoor dogs (p < 0.0001), between outdoor and indoor/outdoor dogs (p < 0.0001), and between indoor and indoor/outdoor dogs (p = 0.0001)”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The dogs sampled at veterinary clinics are representative of the domestic dog population in Spain.
    • Rests on an assumption: Owner-reported habitat and location data are accurate.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Significant differences in prevalences between Köppen climates were found (χ2 = 14.67, df = 6, p = 0.0230), with significant differences between BWh and Csb (p = 0.0252) and between Csa and Csb (p = 0.0007).

    “Significant differences in prevalences between climates were found (χ2 = 14.67, df = 6, p < 0.0230), with significant differences being observed between BWh and Csb climates (p = 0.0252) and between Csa and Csb climates (p = 0.0007).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The dogs sampled at veterinary clinics are representative of the domestic dog population in Spain.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Prevalence increased with age, with significant differences between age groups (χ2 = 34.32, df = 4, p < 0.0001), specifically between dogs <1 year and 5-10 years (p = 0.0053), between 1-4 years and 5-10 years (p < 0.0001), and between 1-4 years and 11-15 years (p < 0.0001).

    “Prevalence increased proportionally to age, and significant differences were found between age groups (χ2 = 34.32, df = 4, p < 0.0001), significant differences being observed between dogs <1 year and 5–10 years old (p = 0.0053), between dogs 1–4 years and 5–10 years old (p < 0.0001), and between dogs 1–4 years and 11–15 years old (p < 0.0001).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The dogs sampled at veterinary clinics are representative of the domestic dog population in Spain.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Infected dogs were reported for the first time in the Basque Country and in the autonomous cities of Ceuta and Melilla.

    “also reporting infected dogs for the first time in the Basque Country, as well as in the autonomous cities of Ceuta and Melilla.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The dogs sampled at veterinary clinics are representative of the domestic dog population in Spain.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    In the Canary Islands, prevalences have remained similar or with slight oscillations during the last 20 years, although the presence of the parasite is reported for the first time in Lanzarote.

    “the prevalences have remained similar or with slight oscillations during the last 20 years [9,12,27,28,29], although the presence of the parasite is reported for the first time in Lanzarote.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 5 sources checked
    • cites [9] Matos, 2020, Current Distribution of Selected Vector-Borne Diseases in Dogs in Spain, Front. Vet. Sci. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [12] 2016, The impact of the climate on the epidemiology of Dirofilaria immitis in the pet population of the Canary Islands, Vet. Parasitol. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [27] Juste, 2010, Epidemiological survey of canine heartworm disease on the island of Gran Canaria (Canary Islands-Spain) between 2000 and 2008, Vet. Parasitol. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [28] Mellado, 2010, Canine dirofilariosis caused by Dirofilaria immitis is a risk factor for the human population on the island of Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain, Parasitol. Res. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [29] Corbera, 2011, Current prevalence of Dirofilaria immitis in dogs, cats and humans from the island of Gran Canaria, Spain, Vet. Parasitol. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • Rests on an assumption: The dogs sampled at veterinary clinics are representative of the domestic dog population in Spain.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    The prevalence in the Balearic Islands increased by more than four percentage points, currently presenting the highest prevalence after the Canary Islands.

    “where the prevalence has increased by more than four percentage points, currently presenting the highest prevalence after the Canary Islands.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [9] Matos, 2020, Current Distribution of Selected Vector-Borne Diseases in Dogs in Spain, Front. Vet. Sci. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • Rests on an assumption: The dogs sampled at veterinary clinics are representative of the domestic dog population in Spain.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Prevalences <5% were observed in the provinces of the north, centre-east and southeast of the peninsula; the centre-west, southwest and Mediterranean coast had prevalences between 5-10%; the Canary and Balearic Islands had prevalences above 10%.

    “In general, prevalences <5% were observed in the provinces of the north of the peninsula as well as in the provinces of the centre-east and southeast of the peninsula, while the provinces of the centre-west, southwest and Mediterranean coast presented prevalences between 5–10%. The Canary and Balearic Islands presented prevalences above 10%”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The dogs sampled at veterinary clinics are representative of the domestic dog population in Spain.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation

    In the last 15 years, a slight increase in heartworm can be confirmed in most autonomous communities, with decreasing prevalences or similar values only in Aragon, Catalonia, Valencian Community, Madrid and Castilla y León.

    “in the last 15 years a slight increase in heartworm can be confirmed in most of the autonomous communities, with decreasing prevalences or with similar values only in Aragon, Catalonia, Valencian Community, Madrid and Castilla y León.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 9 sources checked
    • cites [9] Matos, 2020, Current Distribution of Selected Vector-Borne Diseases in Dogs in Spain, Front. Vet. Sci. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [19] 2021, Serological Survey of Canine Vector-Borne Infections in North-Center Spain, Front. Vet. Sci. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [7] Llull, 2006, A serological study of exposure to arthropod-borne pathogens in dogs from northeastern Spain, Vet. Res. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [11] 2015, Prevalence of Dirofilaria immitis in dogs from Barcelona: Validation of a geospatial prediction model, Vet. Parasitol. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [12] 2016, The impact of the climate on the epidemiology of Dirofilaria immitis in the pet population of the Canary Islands, Vet. Parasitol. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [13] 2017, Prevalence of heartworm in dogs and cats of Madrid, Spain, Parasit. Vectors source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [20] 2009, Dirofilariosis canina en La Coruña. Galicia, Argos

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [21] Mellado, 2011, Prevalencia de la dirofilariosis cardiopulmononar canina, Argos

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [22] Roura, 2020, Serological evaluation of selected vector-borne pathogens in owned dogs from northern Spain based on a multicenter study using a commercial test, Parasit. Vectors source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • Rests on an assumption: The dogs sampled at veterinary clinics are representative of the domestic dog population in Spain.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisenone given

    The climate of Spain has favourable characteristics for the development of D. immitis in dogs, making it an endemic country.

    “The climate of Spain has favourable characteristics for the development of D. immitis in dogs, being an endemic country.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductnone given

    The antigen test used had a manufacturer-declared sensitivity of 94% and specificity of 100% (vs. necropsy).

    “The sensitivity of the tests declared from the manufacturer was 94% and the specificity was 100% (vs. necropsy).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Heartworm disease is an endemic disease that is continuously expanding in the European continent from the southern countries to the centre and north.

    “Heartworm disease is an endemic disease that is continuously expanding in the European continent from the southern countries, traditionally endemic, to the centre and north of the continent”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 4 sources checked
    • cites [1] 2012, Heartworm Disease (Dirofilaria immitis) and Their Vectors in Europe—New Distribution Trends, Front. Physiol.

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [2] Mellado, 2012, Human and animal dirofilariasis: The emergence of a zoonotic mosaic, Clin. Microbiol. Rev. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [5] Genchi, 2020, The prevalence of Dirofilaria immitis and D. repens in the Old World, Vet. Parasitol. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [6] Otranto, 2013, Vector-borne helminths of dogs and humans in Europe, Parasit. Vectors source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation

    Dogs living indoors showed significantly lower prevalences because they are less exposed to vector mosquitoes.

    “Regarding habitat, dogs living indoors showed significantly lower prevalences, as shown in other similar studies [8,9,11,12,13,19]. As has been pointed out in previous studies, animals that live indoors are less exposed to the presence of vector mosquitoes and, thus, prevalences are lower.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 6 sources checked
    • cites [8] Montoya, 2013, Seropositivity rates for agents of canine vector-borne diseases in Spain: A multicentre study, Parasit. Vectors source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [9] Matos, 2020, Current Distribution of Selected Vector-Borne Diseases in Dogs in Spain, Front. Vet. Sci. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [11] 2015, Prevalence of Dirofilaria immitis in dogs from Barcelona: Validation of a geospatial prediction model, Vet. Parasitol. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [12] 2016, The impact of the climate on the epidemiology of Dirofilaria immitis in the pet population of the Canary Islands, Vet. Parasitol. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [13] 2017, Prevalence of heartworm in dogs and cats of Madrid, Spain, Parasit. Vectors source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [19] 2021, Serological Survey of Canine Vector-Borne Infections in North-Center Spain, Front. Vet. Sci. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • Rests on an assumption: The dogs sampled at veterinary clinics are representative of the domestic dog population in Spain.
    • Rests on an assumption: Owner-reported habitat and location data are accurate.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The expansion of D. immitis is indicative of a general increasing human risk not only for pulmonary dirofilariasis but for all vector-borne diseases.

    “Therefore, the expansion of this disease is indicative of the general increasing human risk not only for pulmonary dirofilariasis, but for all vector-borne diseases.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Larvae of D. immitis have been found in Cx. pipiens in the Iberian Peninsula and in Cx. theileri in the Canary Islands.

    “Furthermore, larvae of D. immitis in Cx. pipiens in the Iberian Peninsula [14,15] and in Cx. theileri in the Canary Islands [16] have been found.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [14] Bargues, 2007, Haplotype H1 of Culex pipiens implicated as natural vector of Dirofilaria immitis in an endemic area of Western Spain, Vector-Borne Zoonotic Dis. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [15] Parreira, 2016, Culex pipiens as a potential vector for transmission of Dirofilaria immitis and other unclassified Filarioidea in Southwest Spain, Vet. Parasitol. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [16] Bargues, 2011, Molecular Characterization of Culex theileri from Canary Islands, Spain, a potential vector of Dirofilaria immitis, Clin. Exp. Pathol.

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Aedes albopictus and Cx. pipiens are recognised vectors of heartworm.

    “Among the mosquito species that best adapt to these kinds of changes are Aedes albopictus and Cx. pipiens, which are recognised vectors of heartworm”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 6 sources checked
    • cites [14] Bargues, 2007, Haplotype H1 of Culex pipiens implicated as natural vector of Dirofilaria immitis in an endemic area of Western Spain, Vector-Borne Zoonotic Dis. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [15] Parreira, 2016, Culex pipiens as a potential vector for transmission of Dirofilaria immitis and other unclassified Filarioidea in Southwest Spain, Vet. Parasitol. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [37] Collantes, 2015, Review of ten-years presence of Aedes albopictus in Spain 2004–2014: Known distribution and public health concerns, Parasit. Vectors source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [38] Diniz, 2017, Diapause and quiescence: Dormancy mechanisms that contribute to the geographical expansion of mosquitoes and their evolutionary success, Parasit. Vectors source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [39] Cancrini, 2003, Aedes albopictus is a natural vector of Dirofilaria immitis in Italy, Vet. Parasitol. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [40] Gangoso, 2020, Determinants of the current and future distribution of the West Nile virus mosquito vector Culex pipiens in Spain, Env. Res. source

      Not checked in the free run.

15 of 15

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The dogs sampled at veterinary clinics are representative of the domestic dog population in Spain.

    “The study included 9543 blood samples randomly collected from domestic dogs presented for periodic health exams to 308 veterinary clinics and hospitals sited in one of the 19 autonomous communities and cities, between September 2018 and February 2022.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Owner-reported habitat and location data are accurate.

    “Epidemiological data (age, sex, habitat, city and postcode) were also recorded.”
    “The samples were georeferenced by the postal code provided by the animal owner.”
2 of 2

Claims other papers make about this one

Each is checked against this paper’s own text: does it say what the citing paper says it does?

  • The general epidemiological profile identified in this study was characterized by middle-aged, mixed-breed, outdoor dogs from Mediterranean climate zones, consistent with previous descriptions in the veterinary literature.

    “The general epidemiological profile identified in this study, characterized by middle-aged, mixed-breed, outdoor dogs from Mediterranean climate zones, is consistent with previous descriptions in the veterinary literature (4, 5, 12, 23).”

    From Deciphering the socio-environmental factors associated with realized heartworm transmission risk in dogs from Portugal and Spain (2026) · cites this paper as [5]

    The Results and Discussion (pages unavailable) report higher heartworm prevalence in dogs aged 5–15 years and in outdoor dogs, consistent with earlier studies. The Results also report high prevalence in provinces with hot-summer Mediterranean (Csa) climates, but equally identify temperate oceanic (Cfb) provinces. The paper does not report breed as a variable, so it does not support the mixed-breed part of the attributed profile. (LLM, conf=0.85)

    Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

  • Age is not necessarily associated with a greater risk of infection per unit of time, but prevalence tends to increase with host age, most likely reflecting cumulative exposure over time in endemic areas.

    “Likewise, although age is not necessarily associated with a greater risk of infection per unit of time, prevalence tends to increase with host age, most likely reflecting cumulative exposure over time in endemic areas (4, 5, 8–13).”

    From Deciphering the socio-environmental factors associated with realized heartworm transmission risk in dogs from Portugal and Spain (2026) · cites this paper as [5]

    The Results (section 3; page not provided) report that prevalence increased with age, and the Discussion (section 4; page not provided) attributes higher positive rates in dogs aged 5–15 to longer exposure to mosquito vectors. The paper does not assess whether infection risk per unit of time differs by age, so that part of the claim is unsupported. (LLM, conf=0.84)

    Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

  • In Spain, the mean prevalence of D. immitis ranges from 6.25% to 6.47%, with the highest average values in the Canary Islands (11.58%) and the Balearic Islands (10.87%).

    “In Spain, the northward expansion of the disease is confirmed, and the mean prevalence ranges from 6.25% to 6.47%, with the highest average values reported in the Canary Islands (11.58%) and the Balearic Islands (10.87%) (2, 5).”

    From Deciphering the socio-environmental factors associated with realized heartworm transmission risk in dogs from Portugal and Spain (2026) · cites this paper as [5]

    The Results (Table 1, page unavailable) report 6.47% prevalence across the sampled dogs in Spain, 11.58% in the Canary Islands, and 10.87% in the Balearic Islands. The Discussion also supports northward expansion. Our copy does not report the claimed 6.25% lower endpoint of the national range. (LLM, conf=0.88)

    Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

  • The results are consistent with previous studies reporting no clear breed or sex pre-disposition beyond differences attributable to management practices, such as those observed between hunting or working dogs and companion animals.

    “Regarding intrinsic host factors, the results are consistent with previous studies reporting no clear breed or sex pre-disposition beyond differences attributable to management practices, such as those observed between hunting or working dogs and companion animals (4, 5, 10, 12, 26–29).”

    From Deciphering the socio-environmental factors associated with realized heartworm transmission risk in dogs from Portugal and Spain (2026) · cites this paper as [5]

    The Results (page not available) report no significant difference in heartworm prevalence by sex and a significantly greater risk for dogs kept outdoors. The Methods list sex and habitat, but not breed or working status, among the variables analysed. The paper therefore supports the sex and living-conditions portions, but not the claim about breed predisposition or differences between hunting or working dogs and companion animals. (LLM, conf=0.88)

    Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

  • Endophilic mosquito behavior may facilitate exposure inside dwellings, particularly in urban settings, and a lower perceived risk may reduce the use of chemoprophylaxis or repellents by owners.

    “Endophilic mosquito behavior may facilitate exposure inside dwellings, particularly in urban settings, and a lower perceived risk may reduce the use of chemoprophylaxis or repellents by owners (4, 5).”

    From Deciphering the socio-environmental factors associated with realized heartworm transmission risk in dogs from Portugal and Spain (2026) · cites this paper as [5]

    The Discussion (section 4; page unavailable) says mosquitoes can be found inside homes and recommends chemoprophylaxis regardless of whether a dog lives indoors. It does not identify endophilic behavior as the cause, establish that indoor exposure is particularly an urban risk, or say that owners’ lower perceived risk reduces their use of chemoprophylaxis or repellents. (LLM, conf=0.86)

    Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

Self-check

Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.

Each contradiction between two passages listed here was confirmed by an independent check.

  • Conflicting percentages for infected dogs near water or green areas

    Major

    The Results state that 96.76% of infected dogs were located in these areas, whereas the Discussion gives 93.21% for the same geospatial description.

1 of 1

Cites

Flagged first, then by citations

Research works printed but not linked: 4

  1. 2009, Dirofilariosis canina en La Coruña. Galicia, Argos, 106, 10
  2. Mellado, 2011, Prevalencia de la dirofilariosis cardiopulmononar canina, Argos, 126, 30
  3. Rodes, 2006, Últimos datos epidemiológicos sobre filariosis canina, Argos, 79, 52
  4. Guerrero, 1989, Estudio de la incidencia de la enfermedad del gusano del corazón en la población canina española, Med. Vet., 6, 217

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Related

Authors
Montoya-Alonso, J. A., Morchón, R., García-Rodríguez, S. N., Falcón-Cordón, Y., Costa-Rodríguez, N., Matos, J. I., Rodríguez Escolar, I., & Carretón, E.
Affiliations
  • Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ES)
  • Universidad de Salamanca (ES)
  • Zoonotic Infections and One Health GIR, Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Salamanca, Campus Miguel Unamuno, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
Corresponding author
Morchón, Rodrigo
ORCID
Venue
Animals
Publisher
MDPI AG
Published
2022-05-14
Volume
12
Issue
10
Pages
1268
ISSN
2076-2615 (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.3390/ani12101268
PMC
PMC9137490
OpenAlex
W4280628262
Semantic Scholar
16b8759dba4761c4314b043bd5a1a274a6cfed4b
Cited by
35
References
35
Citations by year
2026: 7 · 2025: 13 · 2024: 8 · 2023: 6 · 2022: 1
FWCI
3.42
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
  • Animals (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • Acceda (Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria) (submittedVersion)
  • DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion, cc-by-sa)
Funders
  • ELANCO SPAIN S.L (CN-240/030/159, TESIS2021010010, PIFULPGC-2017-CCSALUD-3)
  • Government of the Canary Islands (CN-240/030/159, TESIS2021010010, PIFULPGC-2017-CCSALUD-3)
  • Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (CN-240/030/159, TESIS2021010010, PIFULPGC-2017-CCSALUD-3)
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Infectious Diseases › Parasitic Diseases Research and Treatment
  • Health Sciences › Veterinary › Small Animals › Helminth infection and control
  • Life Sciences › Immunology and Microbiology › Parasitology › Vector-borne infectious diseases
Keywords
canine heartworm disease, Dirofilaria immitis, dogs, geographic expansion, climate change, vector-borne diseases, zoonoses, Balearic Islands, Canary Islands, Spain

About these checks

Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.

Claims read by deepseek-v4.1-flash under definition version 3 (extract-v3) on 2026-10-09.

Classified by jev-1.13-20260917 (gold-guideline-v0.2) on 2026-10-09.

Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.

Confidence bands are shown only for fields calibrated on our annotated test set. None is calibrated yet, so no band is shown.

What counts as a claim ›How we measure confidence ›How we check this ›

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