Tick species and arthropod-transmitted infections from Danish cats and dogs

Larsen, Kim (1), Shaw, S.E. (2), Kenny, M.J. (2), Day, M.J. (3), Lerga, A.I. (2), Birtles,R.J. (3) and Schiønning, S. (4)

1. KSL Consulting, Helsinge, Denmark,
2. The Acarus Unit, University of Bristol, UK,
3. Dept of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Bristol, UK,
4. Merial Norden, Søborg, Denmark.

email: kim@kslconsulting.dk

There is an increasing interest in ticks and tick-transmitted pathogens affecting companion animals. Therefore in 2000 ticks were collected from 278 pet dogs and 81 cats. Blood samples were also taken from a total of 572 dogs and 163 cats from 53 veterinary clinics distributed throughout Denmark. The blood samples were analysed by the polymerase chain reaction for DNA sequences specific for arthropod-transmitted pathogens of the genera Bartonella and Borrelia, and for Ehrlichia phagocytophila. For each animal information on exposure to different habitats, travel history, clinical signs of illness, and site of tick attachment was also recorded. A total of 795 ticks were collected. Four tick species were identified with I. ricinus dominating in both dogs and cats. I. canisuga was found on 7 dogs and 2 cats while I. hexagonus was found on 1 dog and 3 cats. R. sanguineus was identified on 2 dogs, neither of which had travelled outside Denmark. The average number of ticks found on dogs and cats was 2.26 and 2.07 respectively. Occasional heavy infestations with I. ricinus adults and I. canisuga nymphs were encountered. Only two dual infestations were recorded; one dog had I. ricinus and I. hexagonus and another had I. ricinus  and R. sanguineus. Bacterial DNA was detected in a number of sick and, apparently, symptomless, animals. Borrelia burgdorferi, sensu lato, was detected in 14/572 dogs (2.4%) and 2/163 cats (1.2%). Ehrlichia phagocytophila was detected in 4/572 dogs (0.7%) and 2/163 cats (1.2%). Bartonella sp. was detected in 6/572 dogs (1.0%) and 5/162 cats (3.1%).

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