Best Practices for Preventing Vector-Borne Diseases in Dogs and Humans. Issue 1 (January 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dantas-Torres, Filipe; Otranto, Domenico
• Is Part Of: Trends in parasitology. Volume 32:Issue 1(2016:Jan.)
• Page Start: 43
• Page End: 55
• Publication Date: 2016-01
• Subjects: vector-borne diseases -- leishmaniasis -- dogs -- humans -- prevention -- One Health; Parasitology -- Periodicals; Parasitology -- Periodicals; Biology -- Periodicals; Parasitology; Biology; Parasitologie -- Périodiques; Online resources; 571.999
• DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2015.09.004
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1471-4922

Abstract

Abstract : Vector-borne diseases constitute a diversified group of illnesses, which are caused by a multitude of pathogens transmitted by arthropod vectors, such as mosquitoes, fleas, ticks, and sand flies. Proper management of these diseases is important from both human and veterinary medicine standpoints, given that many of these pathogens are transmissible to humans and dogs, which often live in close contact. In this review, we summarize the most important vector-borne diseases of dogs and humans and the best practices for their prevention. The control of these diseases would ultimately improve animal and human health and wellbeing, particularly in developing countries in the tropics, where the risk of these diseases is high and access to health care is poor. Trends: Vector-borne diseases are increasingly threating animal and human health in both developing and developed countries. Accumulating data suggest that this upward trend will continue. Several vector-borne pathogens may cause disease in both dogs and humans. Their prevention can be achieved through integrated strategies. Best practices are recommended for preventing vector-borne pathogen transmission in dogs and humans. The use of insecticides and acaricides with repellent properties on dogs may prevent them from becoming infected by vector-borne pathogens and eventually reduce the risk of human exposure to these pathogens.