Conference Agenda

Canine hookworms, predominantly Ancylostoma caninum, remain the most prevalent intestinal nematode of dogs in Australia, with infection dynamics strongly influenced by host age, management practices, and geographic location. Current anthelmintic control relies on three major drug classes - benzimidazoles (febantel, fenbendazole), macrocyclic lactones (moxidectin, milbemycin oxime), and tetrahydropyrimidines (pyrantel). However, an increasing number of clinical cases are characterised by persistent infections refractory to standard treatment regimens.

Recent investigations from our group provide compelling evidence that many of these cases are associated with reduced efficacy, and in some instances resistance, to fenbendazole and pyrantel. These findings raise concerns regarding the emergence of multiple anthelmintic drug resistance (MADR) in Australian A. caninum populations. Epidemiological trends indicate a disproportionate representation of affected dogs originating from breeding and training facilities, where intensive deworming and high environmental contamination likely create strong selection pressure for resistant parasite populations.

The growing movement of dogs from such facilities into the general community presents a significant risk for the dissemination of resistant hookworm strains. This concern is further amplified by recent reports of MADR A. caninum in the United States, underscoring the global relevance of this emerging threat. Adoption of evidence-based, risk-driven parasite control strategies is therefore critical to minimise unnecessary anthelmintic use and slow resistance selection.

This presentation will discuss current advances in the diagnosis of anthelmintic resistance in canine hookworms, encompassing in vitro assays, in vivo efficacy studies, and molecular approaches targeting resistance-associated markers. In addition, I will highlight the urgent need for coordinated national surveillance and reporting frameworks to detect and respond to treatment failure. Finally, the development of integrated, multidisciplinary guidelines engaging veterinarians, parasitologists, epidemiologists, and animal welfare organisations will be proposed as a strategic priority to safeguard the long-term efficacy of anthelmintics and ensure sustainable parasite control in dogs.