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Dog tick-borne diseases in Sicily
1National Centre of Reference for Anaplasma, Babesia, Theileria and Rickettsia (C.R.A.Ba.R.T), Experimental Zoo-prophylaxis Institute of Sicily, Italy.
Parassitologia
|August 3, 2006
Summary
Tick-borne diseases are prevalent in Sicily, affecting dogs with babesiosis and ehrlichiosis. Studies confirm widespread presence of zoonotic agents like Rickettsia conorii and Coxiella burnetii in canine populations across the region.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Epidemiology
- Zoonotic Diseases
Background:
- Tick-borne diseases are endemic in Sicily, favored by warm, humid climates.
- Babesiosis and ehrlichiosis are significant tick-transmitted canine diseases.
- Several tick-borne pathogens are zoonotic, posing risks to public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate the prevalence of major tick-borne diseases in Sicilian dogs.
- To assess the seroprevalence of specific tick-borne zoonotic agents in dogs.
- To confirm the presence of tick-borne pathogens across all Sicilian territories.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 342 dogs to determine seroprevalence for Babesia canis, Ehrlichia canis, and Rickettsia spp.
- Analysis of zoonotic agent seroprevalences including Coxiella burnetii, Rickettsia conorii, and Anaplasma phagocytophilum.
- Examination of diagnostic data from 5,634 tests conducted by IZS Sicily between 2004-2005.
Main Results:
- Seroprevalence rates in the initial study: Babesia canis (5.17%), Ehrlichia canis (21.70%), Rickettsia spp. (53.43%).
- Zoonotic agent seroprevalences: Coxiella burnetii (31.50%), Rickettsia conorii (73.60%), Anaplasma phagocytophilum (32.80%).
- IZS Sicily data confirmed the presence of multiple tick-borne pathogens (B. canis, E. canis, R. conorii, A. phagocytophilum, C. burnetii, Rickettsia spp., Anaplasma spp., Ehrlichia spp.) throughout Sicily.
Conclusions:
- Tick-borne diseases and zoonotic agents are widespread among dogs in Sicily.
- Canine surveillance is crucial for monitoring and controlling tick-borne diseases and zoonotic risks.
- The findings highlight the public health importance of tick-borne pathogens in the region.
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