Recently a local Tehachapi dog has tested positive for heartworm disease. This dog was born, raised and has never traveled out of the area. What this indicates is that there is now a population of heartworm infected dogs here in Tehachapi and there is a species of mosquito that can transmit the infection to other dogs or cats. According to the Companion Animal Parasite Council, Bakersfield was in the top ten U.S. cities for the highest percentage increase of positive heartworm tests for August 2018. In 2019 the American Heartworm Society reported only one positive for Kern county. Unfortunately heartworm disease may be considered a risk in our backyard. We urge everyone to get their dog tested and placed on heartworm preventative.