Blood-feeding ectoparasites such as ticks, fleas, sand flies and mosquitoes can transmit many dangerous pathogens to the dog – bacteria, protozoa, viruses or helminths. They may lead to a variety of serious infections, mostly classified by their vectors:

• Tick-borne diseases
• Flea-borne diseases
• Sand Fly-borne diseases
• Mosquito-borne diseases

Each region has its own risks of infection. Nevertheless, seven major canine vector-borne diseases (CVBD) seem to have a worldwide impact:

• Anaplasmosis
• Babesiosis
• Ehrlichiosis
• Heartworm Disease
• Leishmaniosis
• Lyme Borreliosis
• Subcutaneous Dirofilariosis

Major canine vector-borne diseases transmitted by ticks and sand flies are summarized in the CVBD overview.

Through ectoparasite control, it is possible to reduce the risk of CVBD to a minimum. Application of ectoparasiticides with acaricidal/insecticidal and additional repellent efficacy reduces the arthropod-host interaction including attachment to the skin and blood feeding and can thus reduce the risk of infection. Prevention of tick attachment and sand fly or mosquito bites must be an established tool of disease prophylaxis in any dog either living in tick- and/or sand fly-endemic areas or travelling with its owner to such regions. Dog owners should be made aware of the risks and the need for protection by their veterinarians.

Further information:

CVBD Risk Map Europe