Drug-resistant hookworm infects growing number of retired greyhounds

Animal welfare organizations and veterinarians are raising alarms about a growing number of retired racing greyhounds infected with a deadly, treatment-resistant hookworm. This surge in cases has sparked concerns over animal welfare, the escalating costs of adoption, and the potential spread of the disease beyond the racing industry.

Treatment-resistant hookworm, transmitted through ingestion of larvae from contaminated soil or feces, causes serious health problems including chronic diarrhea, anemia, and potentially death. Unlike standard hookworm infections, this resistant strain evades conventional deworming medications. Dr. James Routledge, a veterinarian with decades of experience treating greyhounds, notes that managing this parasite has become increasingly difficult. "In the old days, we simply wormed them and the problem was solved," he said. "But resistance has been rising and now that's become quite an issue, quite difficult."

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In the old days, we simply wormed them and the problem was solved. But resistance has been rising and now that's become quite an issue, quite difficult.

Dr. Routledge observed the development of resistance to successive treatments over decades, noting that the industry is now reliant on a medication that is difficult to obtain. A crucial treatment, manufactured in Ukraine, faces supply shortages due to the ongoing war and high demand internationally. "The same problem that I've alerted everyone to here that's been emerging on the east coast of Australia is happening in the USA too," he stated.

The nature of greyhound racing itself contributes to the problem. Large numbers of dogs housed together on sand or soil create an ideal environment for hookworm eggs and larvae to survive and reinfect. This constant exposure to treatments, similar to antibiotic resistance in humans, drives the evolution of resistant parasite populations. Friends of the Hound, a rescue charity, reported that 21 out of 34 retired greyhounds tested this year were positive for the resistant hookworm, highlighting the pervasive nature of the issue.

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The same problem that I've alerted everyone to here that's been emerging on the east coast of Australia is happening in the USA too. Any supply that is made is quickly consumed by this issue.