Boppard. Hundemalaria, known medically as babesiosis, spreads out in Germany with increasing speed. The disease leads to severe health impairments in dogs. Experts report a worrying increase, especially since last winter. The reason is the growing spread of the Auwald tick, also known as the Wiesenzecke, which is considered the main carrier of the dog alaria.
What is dogalaria?
Hundemalaria is caused by unicellular parasites of the 'Babesia' genus, which attack and destroy red blood cells. This parasitic infection can run similarly to hemolytic anemia and – if not recognized and treated early – can result in life -threatening complications. The disease is transferred primarily by ticks, especially the so -called Auwald tick (Dermacentor Reticulatus). While the disease used to occur primarily in southern countries, it is now increasingly one of the health challenges in Germany.
Reasons for the increasing frequency
Climate change is an essential factor in the increased occurrence of dogalaria. Milder winter, longer vegetation periods and overall higher temperatures create ideal conditions for tick populations. These changes not only favor the survival of the ticks over the winter, but also their geographical expansion in regions that have been unnecessary. In addition, the changed land and nature use, such as frequent stays in forested and moist areas, has increased the risk of infection in dogs.
Symptoms and effects
The disease often begins inconspicuously. The first signs are fever, loss of appetite and a general feeling of fatigue. With progressive infection, however, more serious symptoms such as pale gums, dark urine and in severe cases, organ failure can occur. The non -specific symptoms in the initial phase in particular often make it difficult for dog owners to make early diagnosis. Delayed treatment can lead to a rapid health waste, which is why a high level of attention and regular veterinary controls are essential.
Prevention and protective measures
Since a specific vaccination against dog alaria is not yet available, the preventive approach focuses on effective tick protection. Dog owners should rely on proven prevention measures such as spot-on preparations, tick neck straps or oral medication. It is also advisable to thoroughly examine the dog after stays in tick -rich areas. In addition to chemical protective measures, the knowledge of the spreading mode of the Auwaldkecke also plays an important role: In this way, informed pet owners can better assess risks and, if necessary, act early.
Regional distribution
In Germany there is a regional accumulation of dog alaria, especially in areas where the Auwald tick finds ideal living conditions. The following regions stand out in particular:
- Berlin and Brandenburg: These eastern federal states are considered endemic areas in which dog painting is particularly common with the high density of moist, forested and grassy areas with regularly performing Auwald ticks.
- Rhineland-Palatinate, Oberrhein and Saarland: In these regions, mainly along the Upper Rhine and in adjacent damp landscapes, a significant increase in local (Autochtoner) Cases documented.
- Other affected areas: also in parts of Bavaria, Thuringia and Saxony Experts observe a trend towards increased infections because mild winter and changed climatic conditions increase the tick density.
These regional differences are closely related to the climatic and ecological requirements that favor the survival and spread of the Auwald tick. The more humid and forested an area, the more likely local infections are, since the tick finds ideal conditions for increasing and long survival.
Hundemalaria is a constantly serious disease that increasingly occurs due to climate change, changed environmental conditions and increased tick density. The combination of non -specific symptoms and the rapid progression of the disease makes preventive tick fighting and regular veterinary examinations particularly important. A conscious handling of the risks and consistent prevention can make a decisive contribution to saving our four -legged friend a lot of suffering. (Stefan Richter)