Current distribution of selected canine vector‐borne diseases in domestic dogs from Barranquilla and Puerto Colombia, Atlántico, Colombia. Issue 1 (3rd December 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Otalora, Óscar; Couto, Guillermo; Benavides, Julio; Mucha, Carlos; Morchón, Rodrigo
• Is Part Of: Veterinary medicine and science. Volume 8:Issue 1(2022)
• Page Start: 46
• Page End: 51
• Publication Date: 2021-12-03
• Subjects: Anaplasma spp -- Borrelia burgdorferi -- Colombia -- Dirofilaria immitis -- Ehrlichia spp; Veterinary medicine -- Periodicals; Animal Diseases; Veterinary medicine; Periodicals; Periodicals; 636.08905
• DOI: 10.1002/vms3.673
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2053-1095

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Climate change, the increase of travel with infected animals from endemic areas, the introduction of new vectors in these areas and environmental changes caused by human activity, among other factors, have contributed to the establishment and increase of canine vector‐borne diseases (CVBDs), several of which are zoonotic and pose a risk to the human population. In Colombia, there are very few studies that address the prevalence of these diseases. The objective of this study was to update the prevalence of cardiopulmonary dirofilariosis, anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis and Lyme borreliosis in dogs in Barranquilla and Puerto Colombia, areas of northern Colombia. Materials and methods: The present study included 354 dogs presented to veterinary clinics for routine health examination and foundations for stray dogs between November 2016 and July 2018. Results: The percentage of dogs positive for Ehrlichia spp. was 61.86%, followed by 22.03% for Anaplasma spp., 11.30% positive for Dirofilaria immitis antigens and 0.56% positive for Borrelia burgdorferi . In addition, several dogs positive for antibodies against two or more infectious diseases were found. Higher seroprevalences were documented in outdoor dogs compared to indoor‐housed dogs. Conclusion: These results suggest that veterinarians should routinely implement prophylactic programmes for these CVBDs, particularly for dogs that reside outdoors. Abstract : The objective of this current study was to update the prevalence of cardiopulmonary dirofilariosis and seroprevalence of anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis and Lyme borreliosis in dogs in Barranquilla and Puerto Colombia, northern Colombia. The prevalence or seroprevalence of four canine vector‐borne diseases has been updated in Atlántico, Colombia, being the highest infection by Ehrlichia spp., followed by Anaplasma spp., Dirofilaria immitis and Borrelia burgdorferi, with a high percentage of co‐infections. Most of the infected dogs lived outside houses and were of a high age. Taking into account the location of the infected animals, conditions of humidity and temperature and the presence of vectors, control measures should be taken to minimize the incidence of these diseases.