Identification of Ticks in Dogs with Ehrlichiosis

Abstract

Examination of ticks collected from ehrlichiosis positive dogs revealed the occurrence of Rhipicephalus sanguineus. The distribution of ehrlichiosis in dogs is related to the spreading of vectors. Ehrlichia canis is the etiologic agent of canine monocytic ehrlichiosis (CME) and recognized as the most prevalent tick-borne disease affecting dogs and is transmitted by the brown dog tick Rhipicephalus sanguineus with an expanding global distribution. Infection of the vertebrate host occurred when an infected tick ingested a blood meal which in turn contaminated the feeding site with its salivary secretion. Blood transfusions from infected donors can also transmit the organisms. Hence, identification of ticks is necessary to detect the disease affecting dogs.