Cologne. Babesiosis is a tick-borne disease caused by protozoan parasites that primarily affects dogs. Infection is possible throughout Germany. The ESCCAP maps show which regions the disease occurs particularly frequently.
Babesiosis is a disease caused by single-celled parasites from the genus Babesia. Babesia attacks red blood cells and destroys them. In this respect, they are similar to human malaria, which is why canine babesiosis is sometimes referred to as “canine malaria.” A few years ago, babesiosis was primarily considered a “motion sickness,” which was particularly a risk in southern parts of Europe. However, the disease has now spread to Central Europe due to a change in the distribution area of the vector tick.
How can dogs become infected and why are there so many cases of canine babesiosis?
The parasites are transmitted through their saliva when ticks bite. In Germany, Babesia canis is the most common pathogen and is transmitted by the meadow tick Dermacentor reticulatus. The ticks usually have to suck for two days before the Babesia is transmitted. However, in some cases an earlier transfer is possible. In addition to spring, the meadow tick is particularly active in autumn, which is why there is currently an increase in sick dogs. However, since the local winters are now often mild, the ticks increasingly search for possible hosts at temperatures as low as 4 °C and can be active even after frosty nights, infection is possible throughout the year.
New ESCCAP cards:
Where in Germany is the risk particularly high?
The new ESCCAP cards are based on the results of blood samples sent to a large veterinary laboratory. They show where babesiosis is particularly frequently detected in this country. In the northeastern federal states of Brandenburg, Saxony-Anhalt and Saxony, Babesia is detected in around one in three suspected cases. Since the disease has been occurring more frequently there for some time, veterinarians there are more aware of it, which is why they may suspect babesiosis more quickly, which contributes to higher detection rates. However, dogs can become infected throughout Germany. This is shown by the fact that there are cases of babesiosis in every federal state and there are increasing reports of outbreaks outside of the previous high-risk areas
Canine babesiosis is reported, so the number of cases in Germany is increasing.
What symptoms does a dog with babesiosis show?
Depending on the type of Babesia and how aggressive it is (virulence), the course of the disease and the associated symptoms can vary. However, the disease often takes an acute course, which is often accompanied by the following symptoms:
- languor
- Loss of appetite
- Fever
- Decreased number of blood platelets (thrombocytopenia)
- Anemia (Anemia)
- Jaundice (jaundice)
- Free blood pigment and its degradation products in the blood (hemoglobinuria, bilirubinuria)
- Fluid retention in the tissue (edema) or in the abdominal cavity (ascites)
A reduction in blood platelets, thrombocytopenia, is now the most common finding in blood tests in dogs suffering from babesiosis. This is probably because the disease is now often considered more quickly and thrombocytopenia occurs earlier in the course of the disease than anemia, which is characterized by a reduction in red blood cells (Anemia) occurs.
In addition to the symptoms mentioned, babesiosis can lead to bleeding in the skin and mucous membranes or inflammation, such as the mucous membranes of the mouth or stomach. In rare cases, other organs are affected, such as the central nervous system, which can lead to paralysis or epileptic seizures.
In some cases the disease is chronic, especially in dogs imported from southern Europe. This usually leads to weight loss/emaciation, weakness and anemia, and more rarely to high fever or jaundice. In some cases, the disease occurs very suddenly and lasts only a short time, often with severe or even fatal consequences (peracute). There are also infected dogs that show no noticeable symptoms (subclinical).
Diagnosis: Accuracy is crucial
In order to initiate effective therapy, it is important to confirm the infection and find out which type of Babesia is responsible for a dog's illness. Diagnosis usually involves the microscopic examination of a blood smear, the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and, if necessary, antibody detection in the blood is used.
Treatment: Acting quickly can save lives
Treatment for babesiosis should be initiated as quickly as possible to avoid severe forms and complications. The most important active ingredient for treating Babesia canis infections is imidocarb dipropionate, which is not approved in Germany but may be imported under certain conditions. It is recommended to check the success of the treatment using a PCR test.
Year-round tick protection is essential!
Babesiosis is a serious or fatal disease that primarily affects dogs and is transmitted by ticks. The changes in the climate favor the spread of the transmitting ticks and allow them to be active throughout the year. Something similar can be observed with other vector-borne diseases, such as anaplasmosis, Lyme disease or Ehrlichiosis, which can also affect dogs and, particularly in the case of Lyme disease, are also dangerous for humans. That's why it's important to ensure effective protection against ticks all year round.
This includes treating dogs with safe, effective preparations as recommended by the veterinary practice. Additionally, you should do so after a walk in areas where ticks are common (e.g. meadows, at the edge of the forest or in the undergrowth) The parasites must be searched for so that they do not spread throughout the living spaces.
ESCCAP Germany eV