The Guardsman Group is partnering with The University of the West Indies (The UWI), Mona in its research on Dirofilaria immitis, commonly known as dog heartworm.

The security company on Tuesday, May 7, made a special donation to the University for funding of the research, under the ‘One Health’ theme.

This parasitic nematode, which is transmitted by infected mosquitoes, poses a significant threat not only to dogs but also carries a risk to human health.

According to research data, Jamaica faces a concerning dog heartworm prevalence rate of 18.7 per cent.

Recognising the interconnectedness of animal, human, and environmental health, UWI Professor John Lindo emphasised the core principle of the "One Health" concept, stating, "The health of animals and humans are linked, and you cannot approach one without the other".

He also highlighted the significant impact of the special donation from the Guardsman Group, a long-time partner of the university, explaining that it "will propel the research studies to another level".

The UWI’s Dr. Simone Sandiford, meanwhile, outlined the research's progression, noting that preliminary findings were based on antigen testing of 1,000 dog blood samples collected across various parishes.

Dr. Sandiford highlighted the funding's importance in covering the expenses of advanced molecular testing and in evaluating the accuracy of the initial antigen tests in detecting the infection, adding that "the gift from Guardsman's will also assist in seeing how good the antigen test will work in 'picking up' this infection." "Molecular testing is the gold standard and that is what we will be doing using the funding from Guardsman." This support, she explained, will also enable a vital comparative analysis to "assess how well our test worked in Jamaica by comparing the antigen testing results with those from the molecular test."

The financial backing will facilitate the assessment of the prophylaxis treatment's effectiveness in the heartworm control efforts by determining if the parasites locally possess any genetic markers indicating resistance to commonly used preventative medications. The study will determine genetic relatedness of heartworm parasites collected across Jamaica with those found in the wider region and globally.

Mr. Kenneth Benjamin, Executive Chairman of the Guardsman's Group, who is also chair of the Jamaica Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (JSPCA) and the Hope Zoo, expressed his strong personal connection to the initiative as a lover of dogs and trees. In emphasising the broader societal benefits of the research, he said, "when we have fewer dogs that can be infected the whole country will benefit".

"We are the link towards dogs, and if they are going to die earlier than they are supposed to, then I am all in for this research," said Benjamin, adding, “although my dogs are 100% not infected by the parasite." Professor Lindo confirmed that 250 dogs owned by Guardsman were found to be 100 per cent free from the heartworm parasite.

The preliminary study identified 13 dogs that tested positive for heartworm despite reportedly being on preventative treatment, prompting further investigation into these specific cases. While acknowledging potential issues with owner compliance or late administration of medication, Dr Sandiford was keen to examine these specimens more closely to understand the underlying reasons for these breakthrough infections.

The findings of this research are expected to yield critical insights into heartworm in Jamaica, building on previous studies that underscored the importance of preventative medications.

To ensure the successful completion of this vital work, projected for 2026, Dr. Sandiford is also appealing to the other private sector security companies "come on board" and provide further funding for the project.