Knowledge About Emerging Zoonotic Vector-Borne Parasites Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens in Finland: Questionnaire Survey to Medical Doctors and Veterinarians

Zoonotic vector-borne parasites Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens have been spreading northwards in Europe. Awareness across sectors is a key factor for preparedness to zoonotic emerging diseases. In this study, an online questionnaire was used to survey the knowledge of medical doctors and veterinarians in Finland on whether D. immitis and D. repens can infect humans and dogs, and whether these infections have been detected in Finland. Participants were recruited via two social media discussion groups, and participation was voluntary. The questionnaire was completed by 198 medical doctors and 61 veterinarians in January 2019. Knowing that D. immitis can infect both humans and dogs was indicated by the answers of 7.1% of the medical doctors and 42.6% of the veterinarians-7.6% of the medical doctors and 42.6% of the veterinarians knew D. immitis can infect humans, 9.6% of the medical doctors and 98.4% of the veterinarians knew it can infect dogs. Knowing that D. repens can infect both humans and dogs was indicated by the answers of 3.0% of the medical doctors and 60.7% of the veterinarians-3.0% of the medical doctors and 60.7% of the veterinarians knew D. repens can infect humans; 8.1% of the medical doctors and 88.5% of the veterinarians knew it can infect dogs. Overall, 4.5% of the medical doctors and 59.0% of the veterinarians selected five or more correct yes answers. While the results of this survey should be interpreted with caution due to limited number of participants and participation bias, they not only suggest room for improvement but also show presence of cross-sectoral knowledge. Answering I do not know was common. Increasing awareness about these emerging zoonotic vector-borne parasites is needed across the sectors.