[Endemic risk of Babesia canis by Dermacentor reticulatus in Germany. An epidemiologic study]

During the period of January 1995 to January 1997, Babesia canis infections were diagnosed in 127 dogs, 65 of them had stayed in foreign countries where Dermacentor reticulatus is endemic, namely France, Austria and Hungary, or in the area Offenburg/Kehl/Freiburg i. Breisgau (Germany). Two dogs being positive for Babesia never had left Germany before and had not been in the region Offenburg/Kehl/Freiburg i. Breisgau. Concurrent tick infestations were reported for all of the 67 dogs. For 10 dogs which had travelled to Hungary and France the ticks were diagnosed as D. reticulatus. In Germany, ecological conditions are suitable for D. reticulatus and Babesia canis. Therefore, as a consequence of the spreading of these parasites the emergence of new endemic foci has to be expected.