Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Borrelia burgdorferi infection in ticks and dogs in Vojvodina Serbia
By Savić, S et al.·Published in Parasite (Paris, France)·2010·Scientific Veterinary Institute Novi Sad·View original on PubMed →
PetCaseFinder translated the abstract of this peer-reviewed paper into plain English so pet owners can read it. We do not publish original research — every detail traces back to the citation above. How we work →
Original publication title: Borrelia burgdorferi in ticks and dogs in the province of Vojvodina, Serbia.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A study in Serbia found that about 26% of dogs tested had been exposed to Lyme disease, which is caused by bacteria from ticks. Symptoms in dogs can show up months after a tick bite and may include weakness, swollen lymph nodes, fever, and limping. The researchers discovered that a significant number of ticks in the area carried the bacteria, indicating a risk for both dogs and humans. Pet owners in this region should be aware of the signs of Lyme disease and consider preventive measures against ticks.
People also search for: dog Lyme disease symptoms · how to prevent ticks on dogs · dog weakness after tick bite
Abstract
Lyme disease is a tick borne zoonotic infection, caused by Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. bacteria. For the transmission of the disease, the presence of ticks is a prerequisite. Lyme borreliosis mostly occurs in people and dogs, but it may occur in other animals. Ticks which carry B. burgdorferi s.l. in Serbia are of the Ixodes ricinus specis. In Serbia, Lyme disease was detected for the first time in the late '80-es. In dogs, clinical symptoms may occur even months after a tick bite, and include weakness, lymphadenopathy, fever, lameness, arthritis, etc. In our survey, we have observed tick and dog populations in the province of Vojvodina (northern part of Serbia). I. ricinus ticks were collected and examined for the presence of B. burgdorferi s.l. in several chosen locations. In addition, blood samples were collected from house dogs and pets from the same locations, and analyzed for the presence of antibodies specific for B. burgdorferi s.l. The results showed a mean infection of ticks of 22.12%, and a mean seroprevalence of Lyme disease in dogs of 25.81%. We conclude that in Vojvodina there is an actual risk of Lyme borreliosis for other animals and humans, because of the persistence of B. burgdorferi s.l. in both tick and dog populations.
Find similar cases for your pet
PetCaseFinder finds other peer-reviewed reports of pets with the same symptoms, plus a plain-English summary of what was tried across them.
Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21275243/