Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Vector-borne infections found in tornado-displaced and shelter dogs
By Barrett, Anne W & Little, Susan E·Published in Vector borne and zoonotic diseases (Larchmont, N.Y.)·2016·Department of Veterinary Pathobiology·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Vector-Borne Infections in Tornado-Displaced and Owner-Relinquished Dogs in Oklahoma, USA.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of dogs in Oklahoma, including those displaced by tornadoes and those given up by their owners, were tested for infections spread by ticks and other vectors. The results showed that a significant number of these dogs had antibodies or DNA from various infections, including Ehrlichia and Rickettsia, indicating they had been exposed to these diseases. In fact, nearly 88% of the dogs tested positive for at least one vector-borne disease. This highlights the importance of regular veterinary check-ups and preventive measures, such as tick prevention, to protect dogs from these infections.
People also search for: dog tick disease symptoms · how to prevent Ehrlichia in dogs · Rickettsia infection in dogs
Abstract
To determine the prevalence of infection with vector-borne agents in a cross-section of dogs from Oklahoma, where canine vector-borne diseases are common, blood samples were evaluated through serology and molecular analysis. Antibodies reactive to Ehrlichia spp., Rickettsia rickettsii, R. montanensis, and "R. amblyommii" were detected in 10.5% (11/105), 74.3% (78/105), 58.1% (61/105), and 55.2% (58/105) of dogs, respectively. Presence of spotted fever group Rickettsia spp. DNA was identified in 13.1% (8/61) of shelter dogs but not in any pet dogs (0/44). DNA of "R. amblyommii" was confirmed by sequencing, constituting the first report of this agent in a naturally infected dog. Antigen of Dirofilaria immitis was detected in 10.5% (11/105) and 16.2% (17/105) of samples before and after heat treatment, respectively. In total, 87.6% (92/105) of the dogs had evidence of infection with at least one vector-borne disease agent, confirming high risk of exposure to multiple vector-borne disease agents, several of which are zoonotic.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27119261/