Boehringer Ingelheim Canada Funds First Parasitology Residency Program to Combat Heartworm in Atlantic Canada
Event summary
- Boehringer Ingelheim Canada, Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC), and Mitacs launched a Veterinary Parasitology Residency Program on March 5, 2026.
- The program's first resident, Dr. William Robbins, is investigating the emergence of dog heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) in Atlantic Canada.
- Heartworm, once absent from the region, is now appearing in both dogs and wildlife such as coyotes and foxes.
- Boehringer Ingelheim Canada provided funding to establish the residency program, with Mitacs contributing matching funds.
The big picture
The launch of the Veterinary Parasitology Residency Program highlights the growing threat of heartworm in Atlantic Canada, driven by climate change and increased pet travel. This initiative underscores the importance of collaborative research between academia and industry to address emerging health risks in animal populations. The program also sets a precedent for similar efforts in other regions facing parasitic disease outbreaks.
What we're watching
- Emerging Health Risks
- How the spread of heartworm in Atlantic Canada will impact veterinary practices and pet ownership.
- Research Impact
- Whether Dr. Robbins' research will lead to effective early detection and prevention strategies for heartworm.
- Industry Collaboration
- The pace at which similar partnerships between academia and industry emerge in other regions of Canada.
Related topics