Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
First Australian dog diagnosed with Hepatozoon canis tick infection
By Greay, Telleasha L et al.·Published in International journal for parasitology·2018·School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Australia·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: An Australian dog diagnosed with an exotic tick-borne infection: should Australia still be considered free from Hepatozoon canis?
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A Maremma Sheepdog in Queensland was diagnosed with a tick-borne infection called Hepatozoon canis after showing symptoms that led to a blood test. This is the first reported case of this infection in Australia, raising concerns about how it may have entered the country and the need for better monitoring of ticks and other animals that could carry it. The dog’s treatment details were not specified, but the case highlights the importance of being aware of new infections that could affect pets in Australia.
People also search for: Maremma Sheepdog tick infection · Hepatozoon canis symptoms in dogs · how to treat tick-borne diseases in pets
Abstract
Recent molecular and sero-surveillance studies of the tick-borne pathogen Hepatozoon canis have identified new hosts, potential vector species, and have revealed that H. canis is more widespread than previously thought. We report the first diagnosed case of canine hepatozoonosis in Australia from a Maremma Sheepdog in Sarina, Queensland. Hepatozoon canis was detected with blood smear examination and 18S rRNA sequencing. It is unknown when or how the organism was introduced into Australia, which raises questions about border biosecurity policies and the H. canis infection status of its potential vectors and hosts in Australia. Surveillance for this pathogen is required to determine whether H. canis has established in Australia.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30059690/