Dog - Babesiosis

What is Babesiosis?

Babesiosis is a tick borne disease which causes destruction of red blood cells resulting in anaemia and jaundice. Acutely affected dogs (and cats) appear depressed, weak and are disinclined to eat (anorexic). They have pale membranes, (e.g.gums, lips, eye lids or tongue) and often have a fever. The passing of very dark coloured urine is also frequently noted. In areas where the disease is common puppies and younger dogs are mainly affected. The disease cannot be passed directly from one animal to another. It is only spread by bites from ticks infected with the protozoan (single celled) parasite, Babesia canis.

Babesiosis is common in many parts of the world including large parts of Southern Europe. Due to the ease of travel as a result of relaxation of quarantine laws and the introduction of the Pets Passport Scheme (PETS), both puppies and adult dogs visiting an area where the disease is rife are particularly susceptible as they have no inbuilt immunity since until relatively recently the condition was unknown in the UK.

What is the cause of the disease?

The disease is caused by various types of a protozoan (single celled) organism which causes the disease in many domestic and wild animals.

How does babesiosis spread?

The parasite cannot survive outside the dog or the tick carrier. Furthermore the tick has to feed on an infected dog two or three days before it becomes infected.

Can we catch babesiosis?

Unlike some other diseases prevalent in Europe, Babesiosis does not appear to be transmissible to man, in other words it is not a zoonotic disease.

Is the disease very common?

Canine babesiosis has an almost worldwide distribution. It has always been prevalent in Southern Europe and appears to be spreading northwards across France and Germany.

Babesia canis is the most common of three types which infect dogs. Other types infect cats and other animals.

Is it important in Britain?

Until relatively recently Babesiosis was unknown in Britain except with animals in quarantine. Relaxation of quarantine regulations with the introduction of the PETS scheme in 2000, resulted in the death of an elderly dog as a result of the disease after a visit to Southern Europe. In subsequent years there have been several other cases confirmed in Britain.

Is there much danger if we take our dog abroad under the PETS scheme?

This depends where you go. The transmitting ticks, Rhipicephalus and Dermacentor species are prevalent in Southern Europe and there are other ticks that may transmit the protozoan causal agent.

This is one of the reasons for the PETS requirement for certified treatment against ticks (and tapeworm) before returning to Britain. With such tick treatment it is hoped that any ticks carried on the dog will be killed before the pet returns to Britain. Susceptible ticks have to feed for up to three days on the infected dog before they can transmit the infection themselves.

Will I know if my dog has been infected while away?

If your dog (or cat) has already become infected while away with you, there may be no signs for 10-20 days, (i.e. during the incubation period). Signs can vary from slight malaise (being a bit 'off colour') to serious haemolytic (red blood cell destroying) disease with lack of appetite, dark coloured urine, multi-organ failure and even death in 24-48 hours. Even very mild cases that recover without treatment may still be carrying the parasite and act as carriers. The danger lies in the fact that certain ticks already resident in Britain may prove vectors for the spread of the disease from such animals.

Is there any treatment?

Drugs are available which are very effective provided a correct diagnosis can be arrived at without delay. If your dog shows any signs of lethargy, jaundice or dark coloured urine, it is important that you consult your veterinary surgeon without delay particularly if you have visited countries in Southern Europe where the disease is very prevalent. Be sure to tell us this at the outset.

Is there anything that can be done to prevent my dog becoming infected?

Since the disease is only transmitted by the bite from infected ticks, even if you are visiting an area where babesiosis is endemic, there is no danger provided you can ensure your pet is not bitten by an infected tick. There are several species of tick involved but the most common is Rhipicephalus sanguineus, the brown dog tick. Therefore it is essential that adequate anti-tick control is exercised during the period of your visit. This not only includes spraying the animal and grooming it, but also daily removal of ticks. This prevents transmission of the disease. Sleeping areas and the pet’s environment should also be treated with a recommended anti-tick preparation (acaricide).

My dog does not like sprays of any sort. Is there anything else I can do?

Sprays are more efficient but for those animals that resent the noise, acaricide impregnated collars are available. If this method of control is used, careful daily grooming is essential to ensure that any ticks acquired from the environment are removed before they have a chance to attach to the dog.

Is there any danger?

Recovered dogs in areas where the disease is common are often carriers and can transmit the disease via the tick to susceptible animals, particularly those travelling under the PETS scheme since these animals are likely to have no inbuilt resistance. Treatment with an approved anti-tick spray before return to Britain should be effective in eradicating any ticks on the pet. If your dog (or cat) has already been infected, there may be no signs during the incubation period of 10-20 days. In very acute cases death can occur in 24 hours.

The problem is that some dogs especially those with mild forms of the disease can act as carriers and there is some concern that our native tick population, including hedgehog ticks and sheep ticks both of which regularly feed from dogs, could assume the role of vectors (carriers) and thus spread the disease in Britain.