Is Your Pet a Silent Disease Carrier? Malta’s Landmark Pet Health Study Sheds Light on Local Risks

A groundbreaking, year-long research initiative by Vet Expert is mapping infectious and parasitic diseases in Malta’s pet population and the results could reshape how we approach pet health locally.

Your Pet Looks Healthy… But Here’s What You Can’t See

Your dog or cat eats well, plays and looks perfectly fine. But some infectious and parasitic diseases don’t show symptoms immediately, and beneath that healthy exterior, they could be silently carrying infectious or parasitic diseases.

That’s exactly why Vet Expert has launched Malta’s first large-scale Pet Population Epidemiological Screening, a year-long initiative designed to uncover the real prevalence of hidden diseases across the Maltese Islands.

For the first time, Malta will have local, evidence-based data instead of relying on international averages and educated guesses.

Why This Study Matters Right Now

This study is especially important today as climate conditions continue to change, pet mobility increases, and evolving lifestyles influence how animals live and interact with their environments.

All of this can influence disease spread.

Yet Malta faces a major data gap: We simply don’t know how common infectious and parasitic diseases are in our local pet population.

“We wanted to replace guesses with statistical facts,” explains the Vet Expert research team. The result is a comprehensive screening of dogs and cats across the Maltese Islands, utilizing advanced immunochromatographic rapid tests to detect everything from gastrointestinal parasites to blood-borne diseases. This initiative positions Vet Expert as the driving force behind modernizing veterinary diagnostics in Malta.

What’s Being Screened?

Using advanced Vet Expert rapid diagnostic technology, the study includes:

Blood Sampling Identifying systemic diseases including: FeLV, FIV, Dirofilaria immitis, Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Leishmania and Faecal Sampling, detecting parasites and pathogens like: FPV, FCoV, CPV, CCV, Giardia

The research encompasses dogs, cats, and free-roaming cats across Malta—giving a complete picture of Malta’s pet health landscape.

3 Reasons Every Pet Owner Should Care

1. Illness Isn’t Always Visible - Your pet could carry an infection for weeks or months without symptoms. Early screening makes the difference.

2️ . Some Diseases Can Affect Humans - Certain zoonotic diseases, such as Giardia, can be transmitted from pets to people, especially children.

3 . Faster, Smarter Veterinary Care - Vet Expert is pioneering a localized approach to diagnostics by investing in research and development to create rapid tests specifically calibrated for Malta’s unique pet health landscape. By understanding local disease prevalence through this landmark study, Vet Expert is developing solutions with enhanced specificity and sensitivity for conditions most relevant to Maltese pets.

This means veterinarians can make faster, more accurate, and more targeted treatment decisions based on what actually affects pets in the Maltese Islands.

What This Means for You

Earlier detection ✔ Smarter prevention ✔ Better protection for your family ✔ Evidence-based care tailored to Malta ✔

What This Means for Veterinarians

Local data instead of international estimates ✔ Improved vaccination and parasite-control protocols ✔ More precise diagnoses ✔ A scientific diagnostic partner in Vet Expert ✔

Building a Safer Malta for Pets and People

This isn’t just a study. It’s a roadmap toward smarter prevention, stronger public health awareness, and modernized veterinary diagnostics in Malta. As this landmark study progresses, Vet Expert will refine and enhance its rapid diagnostic tests to be optimally suited for Malta’s pet population. Once finalized, these localized solutions will empower veterinarians and pet owners with the tools they need for proactive, evidence-based pet care.

Join the Study

Are you a veterinary clinic interested in participating in this landmark research?

Clinics across Malta are welcome to join and contribute to this vital initiative. To get involved and explore partnership opportunities, please contact Marlo’s Imports for more information.

Interested in learning more? Veterinarians and pet owners can discover Vet Expert’s full portfolio, from diagnostic solutions to specialized diets, supplements, and innovative products, at vetexpert.mt.

The Malta Pet Population Epidemiological Screening is a collaborative, year-long research initiative by Vet Expert and Marlo’s Imports, conducted with local veterinary partners across the Maltese Islands

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