Ehrlichiosis
transmitted by ticks
Ehrlichiosis
Ehrlichiosis is an infectious vector-borne disease caused by the bacteria Ehrlichia spp., that grows in blood cells and affects the immune system. This bacterium is transmitted to the dog by the bite of a brown tick named Rhipicephalus. Transmission to dogs is possible from only 3 hours after tick attachment.
Depending on the genus of the incriminated bacterium, the signs are fever, lethargy, pale mucous membranes, difficulties in moving etc. The clinical signs are not very specific, and the treatment is really different from the one of other tick-borne diseases. That’s why it is important to accurately diagnose!
The disease can often remain silent without the dog showing any signs but the dog is still a reservoir for the development of the pathogen. Ticks can also infect human even if it’s very rarely.
Fortunately, you can use a combination of preventive measures to reduce the risk:
• Reducing the dog exposure to tick bites: carefully check the possible presence of ticks on your dog after every walk and remove them with care as soon as possible.
• Use a product that repels and kills ticks with proven efficacy.
• Follow your veterinarian advice for testing.
Geographical distribution
The prevalence map of Ehrlichia shows more risk in tropical areas. However, Ehrlichia infection map is spreading. Now, the geographical distribution of Ehrlichia is worldwide, like its vector.
Up-to-date information about Ehrlichia in dogs distribution map is considered by the experts an important point to more know and better protect vector tick-borne diseases, have a look on the real-time Ehrlichiosis map!
Discover more about canine ehrlichiosis prevalence with Pr. Gaetano Oliva (University of Naples Federico II, Italy) and Dr. Luigi Venco (Veterinary consultant, Pavia, Italy).
Ehrlichiosis map
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Learn more about the diseases
Babesiosis
Canine babesiosis is a vector-borne disease caused by Babesia spp. protozoa.
These parasites are mainly transmitted by ticks.
Different species of Babesia can be involved and may require different therapeutic protocols.
The distribution of the species is highly linked to the distribution of their respective tick vectors.
For example, in Europe, B. canis is spread by Dermacentor ticks and recently spreading North.
Lyme borreliosis
Canine Lyme borreliosis is a Vector-Borne Disease caused by Borrelia spp. bacteria transmitted by Ixodes ticks.
Different species of Borrelia can be involved depending on the geographic location.
For example, while only B. burgdorferi sensu stricto was found in North America, many other species can infect dogs in Europe.
Dogs are not a competent reservoir of the pathogen but they represent a useful sentinel reflecting the risk of infection of their owners.
Cutaneous dirofilariosis
Canine cutaneous dirofilariosis is a zoonotic Vector-Borne Disease caused by a nematode parasite named Dirofilaria repens.
This parasite is transmitted by mosquitoes while they bite and canids are the major reservoir.
Humans can also be infected by the vector but it's a benign infection.
Heartworm
Canine heartworm is a life-threatening Vector-Borne Disease caused by a nematode parasite named Dirofilaria immitis.
This parasite is transmitted by mosquitoes while they bite.
Despite considerable efforts for prevention, the disease keeps spreading in different zones of the world.
Leishmaniosis
Canine visceral leishmaniosis is a vector-borne disease caused by a protozoan pathogen named Leishmania infantum.
Although other routes of transmission are possible, this parasite is mainly transmitted by the bites of small phlebotomine sand flies.
It's a severe zoonotic disease spreading across the world.
Anaplasmosis
Canine anaplasmosis is a tick-borne disease caused by an intra-cellular bacteria (Anaplasma phagocytophilum or A. platys). Also called tick-fever, this pathogen is transmitted by Ixodes ticks. The first signs can be observed after an incubation of 1 to 2 weeks after the infectious bite.
Ehrlichiosis
Canine ehrlichiosis is a tick-borne disease caused by an intra-cellular bacteria (Ehrlichia spp.).
This pathogen is usually transmitted by Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks.
Transmission can occur within the first three hours of the tick infestation.
Clinical signs can be severe and and tick control is the first line of prevention.
Tick-borne encephalitis - TBE
Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a vector-borne disease caused by a flavivirus (family Flaviviridae).
This pathogen is transmitted within a few minutes through Ixodes tick bites.
In addition to fever, tick-borne encephalitis infection is characterized by changes in behavior and neurologic signs.
The severe form is often fatal for dogs.
This vector-borne disease is predominantly found in central, eastern and northern Europe.