Abstract
Simple SummaryThe risk of transmission of pathogen-infected ticks by dogs and cats transported by humans has increased substantially in recent decades due to the rise in tourist and economic migration rates. Therefore, we highlight the role of companion animals, mainly dogs, travelling with their owners or importation of these animals in the transmission of ticks and tick-borne diseases to non-endemic areas. The brown dog tick Rhipicephalus sanguineus, which is a vector of numerous pathogens causing diseases in animals and humans, is imported most frequently to many European countries from endemic areas in the Mediterranean region or from other parts of the world. Additionally, alien tick species with high epizootic and epidemiological importance can be imported while attached to dog skin to Europe from other continents. Companion animals play an even greater role in the spread of autochthonous tick species and transmission of pathogens to other animals and humans. Before travelling to endemic areas of tick-borne diseases, tourists should be acquainted with prophylaxis methods to protect themselves and their companion animals against tick attacks.Increased human mobility elevates the risk of exposure of companion animals travelling with their owners or imported from other regions to tick attacks. In this study, we highlight the potential role of dogs and cats taken for tourist trips or imported animals in the spread of ticks and tick-borne pathogens. The Rhipicephalus sanguineus tick, which is a vector of numerous pathogens causing diseases in animals and humans, is imported most frequently from endemic areas to many European countries. Additionally, alien tick species with high epizootic and epidemiological importance can be imported on dogs from other continents. Companion animals play an even greater role in the spread of autochthonous tick species and transmission of tick pathogens to other animals and humans. Although the veterinary and medical effects of the parasitism of ticks carried by companion animals travelling with owners or imported animals are poorly assessed, these animals seem to play a role in the rapid spread of tick-borne diseases. Development of strategies for protection of the health of companion animals in different geographic regions should take into account the potential emergence of unknown animal tick-borne diseases that can be transmitted by imported ticks.
Highlights
IntroductionWe highlight the role of companion animals, mainly dogs, travelling with their owners or importation of these animals in the transmission of ticks and tick-borne diseases to non-endemic areas
Simple Summary: The risk of transmission of pathogen-infected ticks by dogs and cats transported by humans has increased substantially in recent decades due to the rise in tourist and economic migration rates
Tick infestations and transmission of pathogens in dogs and cats are supported by the presence of tick species with high epidemiological importance in urban and suburban areas that are often visited by owners of these animals
Summary
We highlight the role of companion animals, mainly dogs, travelling with their owners or importation of these animals in the transmission of ticks and tick-borne diseases to non-endemic areas. Tick infestations and transmission of pathogens in dogs and cats are supported by the presence of tick species with high epidemiological importance in urban and suburban areas that are often visited by owners of these animals. In Europe, dogs and cats most frequently transfer autochthonous species of ticks, which are vectors of numerous animal tick-borne diseases. Contact with dogs or cats infested by pathogen-infected Rh. sanguineus ticks increases the likelihood of the spread of tick-borne pathogens, like spotted fever group (SFG) rickettsiae. Bo. burgdorferi transmitted by ticks and 8.99% for Le. infantum and 0.18% for Di. immitis transmitted by sand flies and culicid mosquitoes, respectively [187]
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