Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Parasites found in dogs moved from Ukraine to Poland after 2022
By Bajer, Anna et al.·Published in Parasites & vectors·2023·Department of Eco-Epidemiology of Parasitic Diseases·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Vector-borne parasites in dogs from Ukraine translocated to Poland following Russian invasion in 2022.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
Two dogs rescued from Ukraine and brought to Poland were found to have heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis), a parasite not typically seen in Poland. One of these dogs had a previous heartworm infection, while another dog and a cat were also diagnosed with Hepatozoon canis, a different parasite. The study highlights how the ongoing conflict has led to the spread of these parasites among pets. It's important for pet owners to be aware of these potential infections, especially if they have adopted a dog or cat from areas affected by the conflict.
People also search for: heartworm in dogs Poland · symptoms of Hepatozoon canis in pets · dog parasites from Ukraine · how to treat heartworm in dogs
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Since 24 February 2022, the day the Russian aggression against Ukraine began, millions of refugees and thousands of pets crossed the Polish-Ukrainian border. Additionally, an unknown number of shelter and stray dogs and cats were rescued and translocated to Poland by private persons and non-profit organizations. The aim of the present study was to examine rescued dogs and cats for presence of canine vector-borne parasites to determine the role of armed conflict in spreading these parasites. METHODS: In July 2022 blood samples were collected from two animal shelters in central Poland hosting dogs and cats rescued from Ukraine. Animals were imported from various regions of Ukraine, including eastern and southeastern Ukraine (military conflict area). Fifty-three dogs (51 from two shelters and two owned ones) and one shelter cat were examined by molecular methods (PCR and sequencing) for the presence of Babesia/Theileria spp., Dirofilaria spp. and Hepatozoon spp. DNA. RESULTS: We detected Dirofilaria immitis, a parasite species non-endemic in Poland, in two dogs translocated from Ukraine (2/53 = 3.8% [95% CI 0.5-13.0%]). One dog had a history of previous heartworm infection. High prevalence of Hepatozoon canis (51% [95% CI 36.8-64.9%]) was noted among translocated dogs. Prevalence of Dirofilaria repens in Ukrainian dogs (18.9% [95% CI 9.4-32.0%) was similar to prevalence in dogs from central Poland (12%). Co-infection of D. repens and D. immitis was found in two dogs and six dogs were co-infected by D. repens and H. canis. Hepatozoon canis infection was also identified in an imported cat. CONCLUSION: We confirmed that this military conflict has facilitated the spread of canine vector-borne parasites, including zoonotic species.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37990259/