In certain areas of the globe, the spread of disease-carrying vectors is gathering pace, moving faster than previously recorded. New species of vectors and pathogens have been identified and established pathogens have been discovered in non-endemic areas. Companion vector-borne diseases (CVBDs) pose a global threat to both animal and human health, and veterinary professionals around the world must respond to help safeguard human and animal health. Global parasitologists, veterinary clinicians and epidemiologists recently joined together for the 14th CVBD World Forum, which Martin Wans of Bayer summarises here.