
The Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC) 2026 forecast warns that vector-borne diseases like Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis, and heartworm are spreading into new regions across the United States. These shifts are driven by factors such as climate change, pet travel, wildlife movement, and environmental changes.
The forecast, based on extensive diagnostic data, helps veterinarians anticipate risks, improve prevention strategies, and tailor vaccinations and testing. CAPC emphasizes that year-round prevention and annual testing are now essential, as “low risk” areas can still face emerging threats.