Geographical prevalence of canine babesiosis in Taiwan
Taiwanese researchers investigated regional differences in tick-transmitted canine babesiosis. Their findings can provide a scientific basis for advising dog owners on outdoor activities with their dogs in different parts of Taiwan.
Tick-borne diseases in dogs and animal health concerns
Ticks are a major vector for disease-causing agents affecting both humans and animals. Their geographic expansion into areas where they were previously uncommon is drawing global attention (1). Possibly driven by climate change, the abundance of ticks and tick-borne diseases in dogs is increasing in both established and new regions. Because of the associated health risks, mapping ticks and tick-borne diseases is of growing importance.
Babesia gibsoni infection and canine hemolytic anemia
Babesiosis is a common tick-borne infectious disease in dogs worldwide. The disease is caused by the parasite Babesia gibsoni and can lead to severe canine hemolytic anemia. The hemo-protozoan parasite infects red blood cells and causes their rupture. The infection, which was mainly observed in certain parts of Asia, has gradually spread to regions in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Brazil, North America, and Australia (2).
A group of stray dogs navigating through a vacant lot littered with trash, highlighting the issue of urban waste and the challenges faced by stray animals in urban environments.
Regional differences in canine babesiosis infection
Bi-Ling Su and fellow researchers at the Institute of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, National Taiwan University in Taipei investigated regional differences in infection rates using blood samples collected from 388 stray dogs at various residential sites in Taiwan (3).
To determine blood cell counts and assess the presence and severity of anemia, the Exigo veterinary hematological system was used. Anemia and thrombocytopenia were the primary conditions identified in infected dogs. Platelet counts and differential white blood cell counts were confirmed by microscopic examination, while blood smears were used to monitor the presence of Babesia spp.
The majority of infected dogs (more than 90%) were found in the northern parts of Taiwan, which coincided with the geographic distribution of the tick Haemaphysalis hystricis. None of the dogs sampled in southern Taiwan were affected, correlating with the absence of this tick species in those regions.
The researchers conclude that their findings can support regional risk awareness, provide helpful guidance for dog owners, and assist veterinarians with the differential diagnosis of canine babesiosis in Taiwan.
Exigo veterinary hematological systems were used in the study.
References
- Sonenshine, D.E., Range expansion of tick disease vectors in North America: Implications for spread of tick-borne disease. Int J Environ Res Public Health, 15, 478 (2018).
- Karasová et al. The Etiology, Incidence, Pathogenesis, Diagnostics, and Treatment of Canine Babesiosis Caused by Babesia gibsoni Infection. Animals (Basel) 12, 739 (2022).
- Su et al. Correlation between Babesia Species Affecting Dogs in Taiwan and the Local Distribution of the Vector Ticks. Vet Sci 10, 227 (2023)
