Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Ticks and tick diseases in dogs and cats in southern Poland
By Kocoń, Anna et al.·Published in Scientific reports·2022·Department of Zoology·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Exposure of domestic dogs and cats to ticks (Acari: Ixodida) and selected tick-borne diseases in urban and recreational areas in southern Poland.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A study found that domestic dogs and cats in urban and recreational areas of southern Poland are at risk of exposure to ticks and tick-borne diseases. Researchers tested ticks collected from 119 dogs and 50 cats and discovered that some ticks carried pathogens that can cause diseases in pets. Specifically, they found certain bacteria in the ticks, with a notable presence of one called B. microti in 27.1% of the samples. This highlights the importance of protecting pets from ticks, especially in areas where they might encounter them. Regular tick prevention measures can help keep your pets safe from these diseases.
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Abstract
The public health problem of tick-borne diseases has attracted much attention in recent years due to an increasing incidence in humans and animals. The aim of this study was to compare the risk of exposure to ticks and tick-borne infections in dogs and cats in recreational and urbanized areas in the Lesser Poland and Silesian Provinces. For molecular testing for the presence of the selected pathogens, 207 I. ricinus females collected from 119 dogs and 50 cats, and 2 I. hexagonus females collected from 2 domestic dogs, were examined. Overall, A. phagocytophilum was found in 3.7% of the I. ricinus specimens, B. microti in 27.1%, and B. burgdorferi s.l. in 0.9%. In urban areas of both provinces, A. phagocytophilum was found in 4.8% of the I. ricinus specimens, B. microti in 41.6% and B. burgdorferi s.l. in 3.9%. Pathogens were detected B. microti in both studied I. hexagonus specimens. These findings may indicate the important role that these animals play in the circulation of these pathogens in nature.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35551225/