An ESCCAP expert council of Professor Dr. Anja Joachim
Cologne. Dogs and cats are affected by a variety of ectoparasites. Ticks, lice, fleas, hairlings and mosquitoes bring different risks, problems and possibly diseases. They often also act as a carrier (Vectors) from other pathogens. Various adjustments to the vectors to their surroundings make the question arise as to whether all year round parasite protection is necessary.
Ektoparasites in dogs and cats
Pets can suffer from a variety of ectoparasites. An infestation with mites, hairlings or lice that are always on the animal is treated after diagnosis. In the case of ticks and mosquitoes, which play an important role as vectors from different pathogens as a bloodsucker, the focus is on far -reaching prevention of infestation. This also applies to fleas, which in a short time without sufficient control can mainly form large population groups in residential buildings and animal shelters.
The cat flea is in the area of its preferred hosts all year round and also increases there. Prevention is to be taken against him all year round. This applies in particular to animals with flea pancreatic allergy and those that are increasingly in contact with flea carriers. Repellentics are supposed to stop the flea from stinging, insecticides kill it on contact, at the latest in the blood meal. In addition, development inhibitors prevent the further development of stored flo eggs.
The activity of vectors, the animals preferably sting outdoors, is generally dependent on the weather and the season. The flight season of mosquitoes (Culiciden), The vectors of Dirofilarien extends from spring to autumn. Mainly in Herzwurm-endemic areas is during this time (In addition to drug prophylaxis) Mosquito protection displayed. This also applies analogously in leishmaniasis end mandates to avoid sand pitches.
The role of ticks and its activity
In our latitudes, shield ticks are the most important vectors of pathogens in dogs and cats. They too can be found almost exclusively in the field. Your activity depends on the ambient conditions such as the temperature. Some shield ticks like the common wooden trestle (Ixodes ricinus) Or the Wiesenzecke (Dermacentor Reticulatus) on sunny winter days can be active at soil temperatures just above freezing and continue their host search for high soil moisture in summer. While frost -free winter periods, as they have always been watched hot and longer in recent years, these ticks are often active. You go to a host and start with your blood meal – and thus the possible transfer of a wide variety of pathogens.
Ixodes Ricinus is the most common tick in Central Europe. Among other things, it transfers anaplasma phagocytophilum and Borrelia Burgdorferi. Dermacentor Reticulatus generally arises more locally, for example in warmer locations such as on the Upper Rhine, in Brandenburg or in the Austrian Burgenland, but now spread in all German federal states. As a vector of Babesia Canis, the tick is of particular importance for dog health.
All year round ectoparasite protection – an overview
Due to the increasingly long, now all year round tick activity, continuous tick protection for dogs and free-range cats is highly recommended throughout the year. This is all the more true, since the vector of Babesia Canis, the Wiesenzecke, has been geographically spread out for some time. This also has to be expected with the spread of dog baby disease. Basically, a tick -effective repellent is desirable in order to avoid infestation as completely as possible. Many pathogens relevant to pets are only transmitted after a latency of 24 to 48 hours after the start of the blood meal. Ticks that have stabbed despite existing tick protection can be killed within this period by a systemically effective acaricide. This means that error transmission can usually be prevented.
Different active ingredients in various forms of application are available as acaricides. The frequency of repetition treatments for a long -acting (year -round) Protection ranges from once a month to once a year. The effect of many, but not all, approved active ingredients for ectoparasite prophylaxis extends to fleas and ticks. For some preparations, this also applies to sand and mosquito mosquitoes as well as other ectoparasites. This is when choosing the lifestyle of the animal to be treated (e.g. vacation, trip) to take into account.
Conclusion on ectoparasite protection
A year-round tick and flea protection in dogs and cats should be used as a “base program”. And also a mosquito protection during the flight season. The infection with these vectors and associated infections can be significantly reduced. It should be noted that most preparations ensure more or less permanent protection, but does not use it immediately after the application. Therefore, in good time in time for tick protection and timely renewal are important for the permanent effect.
Professor Dr. Anja Joachim is the head of the Institute of Parasitology at the Veterinary University of Vienna (Vetmeduni Vienna). She is also a member of the independent expert organization Esccap (European Scientific Counsel Companion Animal Parasites) and national representative of Esccap Austria.