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American Heartworm Society Released a New Incidence Map

Lisa Selvaggio
by Lisa Selvaggio
Published:  April 19th, 2026

Heartworm is a serious and potentially fatal parasitic infection that can affect dogs and cats, so it’s important for pet parents to be aware of heartworm disease, its symptoms and treatments, and what can be done to prevent infection in the first place. To provide more information about risk, the American Heartworm Society (AHS) has released their 2025 Heartworm Incidence Map, showing areas of the United States where heartworm rates are highest.

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Keeping an Eye on Heartworm Rates Throughout the U.S.


A canine heartworm incidence survey is conducted nationwide by the American Heartworm Society every three years. They analyze data submitted by shelters and veterinarians who ran heartworm antigen tests the prior year.


In early 2026, the AHS conducted its most recent survey, and they used data from tests that were conducted in 2025.


Previous incidence maps are available online, so you can compare the latest map to other years, such as 2022, 2019, 2016, and all the way back to 2001.


What the Latest Map Shows


According to the AHS 2025 Incidence Survey, the highest heartworm rates in the United States were in the southeast and Gulf Coast, which have been known as areas with high rates in the past.


Texas was the state with the highest number of heartworm cases, and this is the first time that it was at the top of the list for heartworm incidence.


Other states at the top of the list were:


  • Louisiana
  • Arkansas
  • Mississippi
  • South Carolina
  • Tennessee
  • Alabama
  • North Carolina
  • Florida
  • Georgia


Experts also noted new hot spots where heartworm infection density was much higher than in the past. In the following areas, over 100 cases per clinic were diagnosed:


  • East Texas
  • Florida Panhandle
  • Southwest Florida
  • Central Carolinas
  • Southern Illinois


Practitioners who provided data also answered some questions about heartworm incidence trends since the previous survey in 2023.


Here are some of the findings from that survey:


  • 59% stated that rates of heartworm remained the same
  • 19% said they noticed an increase in heartworm rates
  • 22% shared that they saw heartworm rates decrease
  • 10% said they didn’t see any heartworm cases


Pet Parents Should Be Aware of the Risk of Heartworm


Heartworm infections occur throughout the United States, and you can check the AHS map to see the risk level in your area. Also, talk to your vet about heartworm preventives to determine the best course of action to avoid infection.


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Lisa Selvaggio
Lisa Selvaggio

Lisa Selvaggio is a freelance writer and editor, and our resident cats-pert, with certifications in pet nutrition and pet first aid. She enjoys producing content that helps people understand animals better so they can give their pets a safe and happy home.

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