The Expanding Threat of Tick- and Mosquito-Borne Diseases in Shelter Dogs

As temperatures rise, the relentless spread of ticks and mosquitoes to new regions is accompanied by the dangerous diseases they carry. A recent study from the University of Georgia suggests that shelter dogs in the eastern U.S. may be disproportionately affected by this growing threat.

Researchers delved into the health of shelter dogs, analyzing blood samples from 3,750 canines across 19 states in the eastern U.S. The focus was on heartworm and three tick-borne bacteria prevalent in these animals.

The results were concerning. Over 10% of the dogs carried heartworm infections, with more than 8% exposed to the bacteria causing Lyme disease. A further 10% were infected with bacteria leading to anaplasmosis or ehrlichiosis, lesser-known but equally serious diseases transmitted by ticks. Worryingly, nearly 5% of the dogs exhibited multiple infections, indicating exposure to multiple disease-causing agents.

Preventive medications can curb these diseases, but access to veterinary care often determines their use. Many neglected or stray shelter animals lack these preventatives, leaving them vulnerable to these potentially fatal illnesses. Although treatment options are available for heartworm infections, they can be expensive and may require medication or surgery. Unfortunately, long-term infections can prove difficult to treat.

Corinna Hazelrig, lead author of the study, emphasizes the importance of preventive medications: "Preventatives can be expensive, and some pet owners may not want to or be able to invest in them. However, these pathogens are common throughout the eastern United States, and the best management strategy for your pet’s health is to use preventive medications on a regular basis."

Climate change plays a role in the spread of these disease vectors. Mosquitoes and ticks, carriers of these ailments, are expanding their range due to changing climates. This geographical shift affects dogs and humans alike, posing a significant health risk.

Lyme disease, for instance, causes fatigue, lameness, and kidney damage in dogs. For humans, it results in symptoms such as fever, rash, and joint pain. The study also highlights the role of dogs as sentinels for human infections, with regions having high canine exposure to Lyme disease bacteria correlating to higher rates of human infection.

The study underscores the vital role of preventive measures, not only for pets' welfare but also for human health. The ongoing collaboration with the Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC) provides invaluable data, helping veterinarians, physicians, and pet owners assess the risk of exposure to these diseases across North America.

This eye-opening research, co-authored by dedicated experts, serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and proactive measures in safeguarding our beloved furry companions and ourselves from the expanding threat of tick- and mosquito-borne diseases.