Survey of Tick-Borne Diseases in Dogs Infested with Rhipicephalus sanguineus at a Kennel in Okayama Prefecture, Japan.

Abstract

ABSTRACT. Serological tests were performed to investigate extent of tick-borne diseases in dogs infested with Rhipicephalus sanguineus at a kennel in Okayama Prefecture. Three of 22 dogs (13.6%) were positive for Ehrlichia canis. Two of 19 dogs (10.5%) were positive for Rickettsia japonica. Three of 22 dogs (13.6%) were positive for Babesia gibsoni. None of these animals were positive for Coxiella burnetii or Hepatozoon canis. A microfilaria was detected in a drop smear of hemolymph from an engorged female tick, however species was not determined. It is possible that these ticks can transmit pathogens to domestic dogs which are rare in Japan. -KEY WORDS: canine, Rhipicephalus sanguineus, tick-borne disease.

A Possible Treatment Strategy and Clinical Factors to Estimate the Treatment Response in Bebesia gibsoni Infection

“…Canine babesiosis is a tick-borne disease in dogs and both Babesia gibsoni and B. canis are seen in dogs in Japan [1,2,11,12]. B. gibsoni infected dogs are generally seen in the west of Japan and dogs affected by B. canis are mainly observed on Okinawa island.…”

Serological Survey of Rickettsia japonica Infection in Dogs and Cats in Japan

“…The isolation of R. japonica from wild mice indicated that mice are a mammalian reservoir of the pathogen (19). Furthermore, dogs are also thought to be a mammalian reservoir of R. japonica, as antibodies against R. japonica have been detected in canine serum (7,9). Dogs and cats are often exposed to a large number of tick species, depending on the distribution of these arthropod vectors in the environment (15,16), and likely have an increased risk of tick bites compared to humans due at least in part to their activity in woodland and bush areas.…”

Serosurvey of Ehrlichia canis and Hepatozoon canis Infection in Dogs in Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan.

“…The tick is occasionally found in mainland Japan in dogs imported from foreign countries [4]. It is possible that E. canis may be transmitted to certain breeds such as beagles, golden retrievers or pointers by ticks established in kennels which supply these breeds of dogs [5].…”