Which of the following are key vectors for Dog Heartworm in Maryland?

• A. Aedes albopictus
• B. Culex salinarius
• C. Ochlerotatus canadensis
• D. All of the above

Answer: (D)

Heartworm is transmitted to dogs through mosquitoes. An infected dog can pass microfilariae into a mosquito during a blood meal, the parasite develops inside the mosquito, and then the mosquito can transmit infective larvae to another dog with a subsequent bite. In Maryland, several mosquito species have been implicated as heartworm vectors, including Aedes albopictus, Culex salinarius, and Ochlerotatus canadensis. Because all of these species can play a role in transmission under Maryland conditions, all of the listed mosquitoes are considered key vectors. This matters for control: reducing mosquito populations and limiting exposure, along with routine heartworm preventive treatment for dogs, helps break the transmission cycle.