American Association of Veterinary Parasitologists Hookworm Task Force review on best practices for diagnosis and treatment of multidrug-resistant hookworms.

Multidrug-resistant hookworms are prevalent nationwide; updated diagnostic and treatment protocols are essential.

This American Association of Veterinary Parasitologists task force review addresses the critical emergence of multidrug-resistant Ancylostoma caninum in North American dogs. Canine hookworms remain the most clinically significant gastrointestinal nematode in the US, causing anemia, melena, hematochezia, dehydration, and weight loss in acute infections. Documented resistance to fenbendazole, moxidectin, and pyrantel pamoate has been identified, with cases increasingly reported across the US and Canada. While evidence suggests drug-resistant strains originated on Greyhound breeding facilities, the problem now affects dogs of all breeds, sizes, and ages across every continental US region. Large national studies confirm high prevalence and widespread distribution of resistant hookworms, representing urgent concern for North American veterinarians. The task force, established in 2021, provides comprehensive guidance on diagnosis, treatment, and management strategies for drug-resistant cases, synthesizing current knowledge on parasite biology, prevalence, and epidemiology to inform clinical practice.

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