Parasite-transmitted diseases

Ticks, fleas, sand flies and mosquitoes may transmit dangerous infectious diseases to the dog, the so-called canine vector-borne diseases (CVBD). The pathogens – bacteria, protozoa or worms – are transmitted via the parasite’s saliva during blood feeding.

CVBD with global importance are Lyme borreliosis, babesiosis, anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis and leishmaniosis (see Overview Diseases). Other CVBD are of special regional relevance, such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever in the United States. 

Even though there are therapeutic measures for all CVBD infections, a complete elimination of pathogens cannot be guaranteed. All too often, infection results in a chronic or lethal disease for the animal. Therefore, proper preventative strategies need to be implemented. Another reason to do so is the fact that several CVBD like Lyme borreliosis and leishmaniosis also affect humans.

Tick-Borne Diseases

Ticks are well designed to transmit disease agents such as viruses, bacteria and protozoa. Ticks attach securely to their hosts, facilitating not only effective transmission of pathogens, but also the spread of both ticks and microorganisms to different geographical habitats via travelling pets.
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Flea-Borne Diseases

Fleas are known to transmit tapeworms as well as bacterial and viral pathogens. The most important flea-derived infections are the dog tapeworm (Dipylidium caninum) and the bacterium Bartonella henselae, causing “cat scratch fever”. Both of these pathogens are also a threat to humans and are thus of zoonotic potential. In addition, flea bites often cause flea-allergy dermatitis due to allergens in the flea saliva.
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Sand Fly-Borne Disease

Leishmaniosis is a zoonotic disease transmitted to humans and animals by the bite of phlebotomine sand flies. Worldwide, Leishmaniosis is the third most important vector-borne disease and present as a large variety of disease manifestations differing markedly in their severity and health impact.
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Mosquito-Borne Disease

Mosquitoes are the most important vectors of human infectious diseases like malaria or dengue fever. For dogs it is known that roundworm larvae and viruses like the West Nile virus (WNV) can be transmitted by mosquitoes during blood feeding.
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