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Cambridge have published an ESCCAP UK & Ireland funded study demonstrating subtle changes in bioflora in Toxocara cati infected cats compared to those free of infection. Similar changes have been observed in humans and other animals infected with intestinal nematodes, raising the question of whether this is a mechanism for immune modulation in infected animals. Larger scale studies are required to see how significant an effect this is and possible associated host effects, but this important preliminary study is the first examining the association between ascarids and commensal gut flora in companion animals. https://parasitesandvectors.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13071-016-1908-4

Nominations are open for the 2026 ESCCAP UK & Ireland Parasite Control Champion of the Year Award.
Click here for further details. Nominations close on 18th September 2026.
The award will be presented on Thursday 19th November 2026 at the London Vet Show.