CAPC registers as not-for-profit organization

WILMINGTON, DEL.—The Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC), an independent group of U.S. veterinary, governmental and association leaders in the parasitology field, has voted to register as a not-for-profit organization.

The new classification will take effect next month.

The mission of CAPC is to foster animal and human health, while pursuing the human-animal bond, through recommendations for the diagnosis, treatment, prevention and control of parasitic infections.

"By registering as a not-for-profit organization, CAPC feels we can broaden our base of support (by) opening the potential for other sources of funding," says Mike Paul, DVM, CAPC council member. "This restructuring as an independent, not-for-profit organization will thereby help us to reach our goals of increasing awareness of the prevalence of internal parasites in companion animals, educating the public and reinforcing the existing expertise of human health care providers. Additionally, the CAPC guidelines provide treatment and monitoring recommendations that if followed will help improve animal well-being and reduce the potential for zoonotic parasite transmission."

CAPC was founded in 2002 and has been functioning independently under an educational grant from Novartis Animal Health. By changing its classification to not for profit, CAPC continues to work as an independent body while accepting sponsorships from other companies with in the parasiticide industry.

In the past two years, CAPC has successfully published and distributed guidelines for the prevention and control of major canine and feline parasites. These guidelines are endorsed by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). CAPC also created an educational Web site, communicated the importance of parasite prevention and led educational seminars nationwide.

Over the next five years, CAPC hopes to expand and update guidelines for dogs and cats while completing additional guidelines for horses and select exotic species, the council reports. CAPC's educational goals include creating a consumer educational campaign, a veterinary student program and an extensive veterinary program. Along with other initiatives, CAPC hopes to fund grants for parasitic research and gain additional endorsements.

The CAPC board consists of representatives from organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Cornell University, Auburn University, Purdue University, Kansas State University, North Carolina State University; American Animal Hospital Association and both human and veterinary practice.

For more information go to www.capcvet.org.