5 February 2026: Thelazia callipaeda detected in a cat in the South East of England
Updated 9 February 2026
Applies to England, Scotland and Wales
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Situation
The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) and European Scientific Counsel Companion Animal Parasites (ESCCAP) exotic worm and worm-like parasite project confirmed the presence of Thelazia callipaeda (eye worm) in a domestic cat in South East England. The cat had travelled abroad in the last few years.
Details
Thelazia callipaeda is a vector-borne zoonotic nematode that can infect multiple species, including dogs, cats and humans. It was first reported in Europe in 1989 and has since expanded across the continent. Infected hosts can carry worms for months to a year. Transmission occurs via fruit flies feeding on ocular secretions.
Actions
Competent fruit fly vectors are present in Great Britain, raising the potential for this exotic parasite to establish if conditions allow. Thelazia callipaeda has so far been considered an imported infection.
Early recognition relies on strong communication and surveillance. With its zoonotic potential and demonstrated ability to spread across Europe, Thelazia callipaeda is a pet and public health risk.
Veterinary professionals are key to this effort and are encouraged to be alert for clinical signs in pets, particularly those with a history of travel abroad. Samples can be submitted to the Exotic Worm and Worm-Like Parasite Surveillance project for free morphological identification. Every voluntary sample is valued, helping to strengthen surveillance and improve the sector’s understanding and early response to these parasites.
Further information
Message sent from the Small Animal Expert Group SAEG@apha.gov.uk