The American Heartworm Society reported its findings on the incidence of heartworm disease in the United States in the July issue of DVM Newsmagazine. Approximately 18,000 veterinary practices were surveyed regarding the number of heartworm cases diagnosed during the last year. Here are some of the results.

The top 10 states reporting heartworm disease in dogs are Texas (No. 1), then Florida, Louisiana, North Carolina, Georgia, Mississippi, Tennessee, South Carolina, Alabama and Indiana.

The results are similar for cases of cat heartworm disease. Although cats are less likely to contract the disease, it is often more serious in cats, harder to treat and more likely to be fatal. In states in which dog heartworm disease is high, cats should also receive monthly heartworm preventative.

The Heartworm Society recommends regular heartworm prevention for pets.