UPEI launches parasitology residency to combat animal heartworm in Atlantic Canada

From the Springboard Content Lab and the UPEI Newsroom

The University of Prince Edward Island’s Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC) has launched a Veterinary Parasitology Residency Program to tackle the growing threat of heartworm which is an emerging disease now detected in dogs and wildlife across the region. Backed by partnerships with Mitacs and Boehringer Ingelheim Canada, the program is an example of industry-academic collaboration driving regional innovation.

Key Takeaways

• Atlantic Canada is emerging as a leader in veterinary and public health research
• UPEI’s Atlantic Veterinary College has launched Canada’s first parasitology residency program
• The initiative targets the growing threat of heartworm in Atlantic Canada
• Partnerships with Mitacs and industry are driving innovation
• The program supports economic growth in biosciences, agriculture, and rural communities

“Few parasitic diseases of companion animals are known to have such economic and pathological effects as Dirofilaria immitis, the causative agent of heartworm disease,” said “Until recently, D. immitis was not established in Atlantic Canada. It is imperative to investigate this emerging parasite to help guide companion animal treatment and management practices in the region.”

Dr. William Robbins, first resident in Veterinary Parasitology Residency Program 

Why This Matters Now

Until recently, Heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) was absent in Atlantic Canada. Researchers at AVC are now documenting its presence in domestic dogs but and in wildlife such as coyotes and foxes. This signals a shifting disease landscape linked to climate change, animal movement, and global trade.

The program’s first resident, Dr. William Robbins, is investigating:

• The spread of heartworm in Atlantic ecosystems
• Risks posed by imported animals carrying drug-resistant strains
• Improved detection and prevention strategies for veterinarians

This is a it’s a regional biosecurity and public health concern.

Positioning Atlantic Canada as leader in field of veterinary science

The residency program is the first of its kind in Canada, designed to build long-term expertise in parasitic diseases which are affecting animals and potentially humans.

Residents combine advanced clinical training with research, contributing to:

• National surveillance of emerging parasites
• Evidence-based treatment protocols
• Knowledge transfer to veterinary practitioners across the country

Economic impact: Why this matters for Atlantic Canada

1. Protecting the Region’s Animal Economy

Heartworm and other parasites can lead to significant treatment costs, productivity losses, and increased veterinary demand, making prevention and early detection economically critical. Animal health affects the broader economy in the region

• Companion animal care and veterinary services
• Agriculture and livestock industries
• Wildlife management and conservation

2. Strengthening the Bioeconomy and Life Sciences Sector

This initiative reinforces Atlantic Canada’s growing bioscience and health innovation ecosystem, particularly in areas such as:

• Veterinary pharmaceuticals
• Diagnostics and surveillance technologies
• Applied research and commercialization

Industry support from Boehringer Ingelheim Canada highlights how global companies are investing in Atlantic Canada’s research capacity.

3. Talent Development and Retention

Highly specialized training programs like this:

• Attract top-tier veterinary researchers to the region
• Retain skilled graduates in Atlantic Canada
• Create pathways into industry, academia, and public health

Through organizations like Mitacs, the program also strengthens work-integrated learning and research commercialization pipelines.

4. Rural and Community Impact

Veterinary innovation has direct benefits for rural communities, where:

• Access to animal healthcare is essential
• Livelihoods are tied to animal health
• Emerging diseases can have outsized impacts

By improving diagnostic and prevention strategies, the program supports resilient rural economies across the region.

A Model for Collaboration

The residency program demonstrates what’s possible when:

• Academia provides research leadership
• Industry brings funding and real-world challenges
• National organizations connect talent and opportunity

This triple-helix model of innovation is exactly what drives economic growth in smaller regions like Atlantic Canada.

About the University of Prince Edward Island

A leader in academic excellence and research innovation, the University of Prince Edward Island is committed to providing its students with an exceptional learning experience and environment, thus helping them to reach their full potential. UPEI offers a wide range of relevant programs and degrees to a diverse population of over 5,500 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students.

About Boehringer Ingelheim (Canada) Ltd.

Boehringer Ingelheim is a biopharmaceutical company active in both human and animal health. As one of the industry’s top investors in research and development, the company focuses on developing innovative therapies that can improve and extend lives in areas of high unmet medical need. Independent since its foundation in 1885, Boehringer takes a long-term perspective, embedding sustainability along the entire value chain. More than 53,500 employees serve over 130 markets to build a healthier, more sustainable, and equitable tomorrow.

About Springboard Atlantic

University of Prince Edward Island is a member of the Springboard Network of 19 post secondary institutions in Atlantic Canada. The Network connects researchers, industry, and entrepreneurs to turn Atlantic Canadian innovation into real-world impact. From health and bioscience to ocean tech and AI, we help move ideas from lab to market—strengthening the region’s economy and global competitiveness.