In a bid to help inform its ‘Act On Lungworm’ campaign for the year ahead and collate valuable new data on the spread of the parasite (Angiostrongylus vasorum), Bayer Animal Health is launching a nationwide ecological experiment, ‘The Big Snail Count’, aimed at helping dog owners recognise the link between mollusc activity in their gardens and the risk of lungworm to their pet.

The campaign will encourage families across the UK to take part in a timed snail and slug count within their gardens and local parks, recording and submitting data on prevalence, location and activity to the ‘It’s A Jungle Out There’ Facebook page (www.facebook.com/jungleforpets). Further engagement will be encouraged via a competition asking participants to submit their pictures to the Facebook page, using the #bigsnailcount hashtag, prizes will be awarded under five unique categories.

The ecological data collected will also form part of Bayer’s wider lungworm research programme in 2015, which hopes to create an overview of lungworm prevalence and spread in the UK to date.
With support from Dr Dave Hodgson, Senior Lecturer in Ecology at Exeter University, the ‘Big Snail Count’ aims to make dog owners more aware of the opportunities their pet has to interact with slugs and snails on a daily basis and in doing so, increase their vigilance for any signs of a lungworm infection.

Families and vets can take part in the experiment, and learn more about ‘The Big Snail Count’, by visiting the ‘It’s a Jungle Out There’ Facebook page.

Dr Dave Hodgson says: “This is the first time ever a data collection on this scale has been conducted around slug and snail prevalence and we are very excited to discover any regional trends which may exist across the country. Building on the success of last year’s ‘Slimewatch’ campaign we hope these new insights will help us further understand mollusc behaviour and the resulting impact on the spread of lungworm.”

Evidence from the Royal Veterinary College¹ confirms the lungworm parasite has spread across the UK, from its traditional habitat in the south of England and Wales, and is now widespread in Central England, also reaching northern regions and Scotland, with one in five vet practices nationwide reporting at least one case of the parasite.

Donna Tomlinson, Product Manager at Bayer Animal Health said: “After launching the 2014 lungworm awareness campaign, we quickly began to recognise the enthusiasm among pet owners that exists to encourage action. ‘The Big Snail Count’ will not only provide an educational platform for families to learn more about slug and snail populations in their gardens but it will also reinforce the important need to remain aware of the lungworm parasite.”
Dogs can become infected after swallowing slugs or snails carrying the lungworm larvae. While some dogs are obviously at risk due to eating slugs and snails on purpose, a hidden danger arises from small slugs and snails, which can be accidentally swallowed when dogs are drinking from outdoor water bowls, eating grass, playing with toys left out in the garden, or rummaging through the undergrowth. Once inside the dog’s system, the parasite travels through the body eventually ending up in the heart. Left untreated, the dog’s health can rapidly deteriorate, and can even result in death.

‘The Big Snail Count’ is part of Bayer Animal Health’s wider ‘Act On Lungworm’ parasite protection initiative. You can help spread the word, and read the experiences of other vets and owners at www.facebook.com/jungleforpets or alternatively follow ‘JungleForPets’ on Twitter and visit www.lungworm.co.uk for more information.


Bayer Ref: L.GB.09.2014.7872
Issued by: Pegasus Public Relations
On behalf of: Bayer Animal Health
Press enquiries: Luke Hopkins (01273) 712000
lhopkins@thisispegasus.co.uk
Notes to Editors: Interviews, case studies and images available on request

Anna Litherland
Tel: 01635 563 031
E-Mail: anna.litherland@bayer.com

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Expert credentials
· Dr Dave Hodgson is a quantitative ecologist and a member of the Ecology and Conservation research group. He is also an Honorary Secretary of the British Ecological Society.

References
¹ Royal Veterinary College survey 2012, 1,419 veterinary practices