Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Tick-borne disease antibodies found in Norwegian dogs
By Kloster, Hanne et al.·Published in Acta veterinaria Scandinavica·2026·Faculty of Engineering Science·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Antibodies against tick-borne pathogens in domestic dogs in Norway: Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, tick-borne encephalitis virus, and Anaplasma phagocytophilum.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A study found that 38% of dogs in Norway tested positive for antibodies against tick-borne diseases, including Lyme disease (caused by Borrelia burgdorferi), tick-borne encephalitis, and Anaplasmosis. This means many dogs have been exposed to these pathogens, which ticks can transmit. The researchers collected blood samples from 433 dogs across various regions and discovered that the rates of exposure varied by location. The results highlight the importance of monitoring tick populations and suggest that pet owners should take preventive measures against ticks to protect both their dogs and themselves.
People also search for: dog tick disease symptoms · Lyme disease in dogs Norway · how to prevent ticks on dogs
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Ticks are important vectors of zoonotic pathogens, posing a growing threat to animals and humans in Europe. In Norway, the tick species Ixodes ricinus is expanding its range, increasing the risk of tick-borne infections. This study aimed to estimate the seroprevalence of IgG antibodies against Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s. l.), tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), and Anaplasma phagocytophilum in domestic dogs residing in Norway, and to assess their potential role as sentinel species for tick-borne pathogen surveillance at the northernmost limit of I. ricinus' geographical range. Serum samples (n = 433) from domestic dogs were collected across 15 counties between 2016 and 2023 and analysed using immunoblot assays. RESULTS: Overall, 38% of the dogs were seropositive for one or more tick-borne pathogens. The seroprevalence was 20% for B. burgdorferi s. l., 19% for TBEV, and 11% for A. phagocytophilum. Statistically significant regional differences were observed for the latter two pathogens. CONCLUSIONS: The findings indicated widespread exposure of Norwegian dogs to tick-borne pathogens and support their role as sentinel species for assessing human risk. Continued surveillance and preventive measures are recommended to reduce tick infestation and pathogen transmission to both dogs and humans.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41834032/