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Background: Canine heartworm disease, caused by Dirofilaria immitis, has global veterinary importance. In Australia, the prevalence of canine heartworm infection decreased markedly following the introduction of over-the-counter macrocyclic lactones. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of canine heartworm infection in at-risk populations of dogs in eastern Australia and analyse published prevalence data from Australia. Methods: In total, 566 dogs from eastern Australia were tested for the presence of D. immitis antigen. Four cohorts were studied: pig-hunting dogs from Queensland (Cohort 1, n = 104), dogs from remote New South Wales (NSW) (Cohort 2, n = 332), urban pets from rural NSW (Cohort 3, n = 45) and ex-racing Greyhounds from Sydney, NSW (Cohort 4, n = 85). Serum samples were screened for D. immitis antigen using a reference laboratory microwell-based assay (DiroChek ®) or a point-of-care immunochromatography test kit (Anigen Rapid ®). Risk factors associated with the odds of D. immitis antigen seropositivity were identified using binary logistic regression models. Seropositive blood samples were tested for the presence and quantity of D. immitis DNA using a species specific real-time (q)PCR assay. A metanalysis of the Australian canine heartworm literature was conducted. Results: The prevalence of dirofilariasis in pig-hunting dogs from Queensland (Cohort 1) was 12.5% (95% CI: 6.5-18.9%), with a subpopulation of dogs from Central Queensland having a prevalence of 21% (95% CI: 12.3-33.4%). Age was significantly associated with D. immitis antigen seropositivity (increased risk with increased age). The odds of being > 5 years versus ≤ 5 years was 3.7-times (95% CI: 1.1-12.5) greater in antigen positive versus antigen negative dogs. No D. immitis antigen positive dogs were detected in dogs from NSW (Cohorts 2-4). The Australian canine heartworm disease literature includes 98 peer-reviewed publications (1901-2019) with 30 studies reporting on D. immitis prevalence in dogs. Throughout the publication peak period (1980s), the primary antemortem diagnostic test was detection of microfilariae. Conclusions: Canine heartworm infection in dogs used for pig hunting is a previously unexplored topic in Australia. Pig-hunting dogs are infected with canine heartworm in Queensland, Australia, placing pet dogs and cats at increased risk of infection.

Human–animal bonds, by providing social support, have been shown to improve the health and wellbeing of pet owners, especially those experiencing a crisis situation. The human–animal bond for people in crisis situations is complex and multifaceted, as it has shown to improve health, whilst it can also discourage people from seeking help, due to fears of leaving their pet behind. The purpose of the study is to capture and to assess the role of the human–animal bond for people in crisis situations. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with pet owners involved in the RSPCA NSW Community Programs (n = 13) in 2021 and 2022. The findings of the study indicate that the human–animal bond is highly valued by people experiencing crisis situations, that the human–animal bonds can affect people’s ability to seek help or refuge, and that the human–animal bond helps people to recover after a crisis. The findings suggest that community crisis support services, prison systems, hospital systems, emergency housing, and government legislation should recognize and aim to preserve this bond to provide the best help for people experiencing crisis situations.

There are over 5 million pet cats in Australia managed on a spectrum from fully indoors to completely outdoor free roaming. Roaming cats threaten biodiversity, can create a nuisance and are at risk of accidents and injury. Hence, there is substantial interest in behaviour change interventions to increase cat containment. An online questionnaire collected information on cat owner demographics, the number of cats owned, current containment behaviours and an agreement with 15 capability, opportunity and motivation (COM) items. Responses were received from 4482 cat owners. More than half (65%) indicated that they currently keep their cat(s) fully contained. Another 24% practiced a night curfew. Owners’ psychological capability had the greatest influence on containment behaviour. Motivation (community- and cat welfare-framed), living in an apartment and renting were also associated with a greater likelihood of containment. Cat owners not currently containing their cats could be divided into six profiles who differed on agreement with COM themes, age, future intentions, current behaviour, location and gender. Understanding differences between cat owner segments can assist with designing behaviour change interventions. Increasing cat owners’ psychological capability to contain their cats and encouraging the adoption of a night curfew as a first step towards 24 h containment are recommended.

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