Red fox (Vulpes vulpes) play an important role in the propagation of tick-borne pathogens

The red fox (Vulpes vulpes) is the most widespread free-living carnivore in the world. Over the years, foxes have been recognized as hosts for a number of tick-borne pathogens. However, their role as reservoirs for zoonotic tick-borne diseases is poorly understood. The aim of our study was to investigate tick-borne pathogens in the red fox population in the Czech Republic. Out of 117 red foxes, 110 (94.02%) individuals tested positive for the presence of at least one pathogen by the combined PCR and sequencing approach. Hepatozoon canis was the most frequently detected pathogen (n = 95; 81.2%), followed by Babesia vulpes (n = 75; 64.1%). Babesia canis was not detected in our study. Four (3.42%) red foxes were positive for Candidatus Neoehrlichia sp., 3 (2.56%) for Anaplasma phagocytophilum, and one red fox (0.85%) tested positive for the presence of Ehrlichia sp. DNA. Overall, DNA of spirochetes from the Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. complex was detected in 8.6% of the foxes and B. miyamotoi in 5.12% of the samples. As a carnivore found in all ecosystems of Central Europe, foxes obviously contribute to transmission of tick-borne pathogens such as A. phagocytophilum, B. burgdorferi s.l., and B. myiamotoi. In addition, foxes apparently harbour a community of pathogens, associated with this host in local ecological context, dominated by H. canis and B. vulpes (possibly also Candidatus Neoehrlichia sp.). These species have the potential to spread to the domestic dog population and should be included in the differential diagnosis of febrile diseases with hematologic abnormalities in dogs.     

Transboundary Spread of Brucella canis through Import of Infected Dogs,the Netherlands,November 2016–December 2018

Brucella canis had not been isolated in the Netherlands until November 2016, when it was isolated from a dog imported from Romania. Including this case, 16 suspected cases were notified to the authorities during the following 25 months. Of these 16 dogs, 10 were seropositive; tracking investigations found another 8 seropositive littermates. All seropositive animals were rescue dogs imported from Eastern Europe. B. canis was cultured from urine, blood, and other specimens collected from the dogs. Genotyping of isolates revealed clustering by litter and country. Isolating B. canis in urine indicates that shedding should be considered when assessing the risk for zoonotic transmission. This case series proves introduction of B. canis into a country to which it is not endemic through import of infected dogs from B. canis–endemic areas, posing a threat to the naive autochthonous dog population and humans.     

First report of Cryptosporidium canis in foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides) and identification of several novel subtype families for Cryptosporidium mink genotype in minks (Mustela vison) in China

Despite the rapid and extensive advances in molecular epidemiology of Cryptosporidium in humans and a variety of animals, the prevalence and genetic traits of the parasite in wildlife bred in captivity and the role of the neglected hosts in zoonotic transmission of human cryptosporidiosis are rarely understood. This study investigated the prevalence, species/genotype, and subtype of Cryptosporidium in farmed fur animals in China and assessed the possibility of zoonotic transmission. Three of 191 (1.6%) foxes (Vulpes vulpes), 17 of 162 (10.5%) raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides), and 48 of 162 (29.6%) minks (Mustela vison) were positive for Cryptosporidium by nested PCRs targeting the small subunit rRNA gene. Sequence analysis indicated the presence of only Cryptosporidium canis in foxes and raccoon dogs. There is no significant difference in prevalence between young and adult foxes (or raccoon dogs). Three Cryptosporidium species or genotype including C. canis, Cryptosporidium meleagridis, and mink genotype were determined in minks aged five to six months. Subtyping based on nucleotide and amino acid sequence polymorphisms of the 60 kDa glycoprotein facilitated identification of three novel subtype families named as Xb to Xd for Cryptosporidium mink genotype. The presence of zoonotic C. canis, C. meleagridis, and Cryptosporidium mink genotype in captive-bred fur animals is of public health concerns. The findings expanded the host ranges of C. canis and C. meleagridis and confirmed genetic diversity at the subtype level in Cryptosporidium mink genotype. This is the first study reporting Cryptosporidium infections in foxes and raccoon dogs in China.     

Novel Amdoparvovirus Infecting Farmed Raccoon Dogs and Arctic Foxes

A new amdoparvovirus, named raccoon dog and fox amdoparvovirus (RFAV), was identified in farmed sick raccoon dogs and arctic foxes. Phylogenetic analyses showed that RFAV belongs to a new species within the genus Amdoparvovirus of the family Parvoviridae. An RFAV strain was isolated in Crandell feline kidney cell culture.     

Genetic diversity of the cardiopulmonary canid nematode Angiostrongylus vasorum within and between rural and urban fox populations

Angiostrongylus vasorum is an emerging parasitic cardiopulmonary nematode of dogs, foxes, and other canids. In dogs, the infection causes respiratory and bleeding disorders along with other clinical signs collectively known as canine angiostrongylosis, while foxes represent an important wildlife reservoir. Despite the spread of A. vasorum across various countries in Europe and the Americas, little is known about the genetic diversity of A. vasorum populations at a local level in a highly endemic area. Thus, in the present study, we investigated the genetic diversity of 323 adult A. vasorum nematodes from 64 foxes living in the canton of Zurich, Switzerland. Among those, 279 worms isolated from 20 foxes were analyzed separately to investigate the genetic diversity of multiple worms within individual foxes. Part of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (mtCOI) gene was amplified and sequenced. Overall, 16 mitochondrial haplotypes were identified. The analysis of multiple worms per host revealed 12 haplotypes, with up to 5 different haplotypes in single individuals. Higher haplotype diversity (n = 10) of nematodes from foxes of urban areas than in rural areas (n = 7) was observed, with 5 shared haplotypes. Comparing our data with published GenBank sequences, five haplotypes were found to be unique within the Zurich nematode population. Interestingly, A. vasorum nematodes obtained from foxes in London and Zurich shared the same dominating haplotype. Further studies are needed to clarify if this haplotype has a different pathogenicity that may contribute to its dominance. Our findings show the importance of foxes as a reservoir for genetic parasite recombination and indicate that high fox population densities in urban areas with small and overlapping home ranges allow multiple infection events that lead to high genetic variability of A. vasorum.     

Diversity and geographic distribution of rickettsial agents identified in brown dog ticks from across the United States

Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato, or brown dog ticks, transmit a variety of pathogens of veterinary and public health importance globally. Pathogens vectored by brown dog ticks and identified in the United States include Babesia vogeli, Ehrlichia canis, and several spotted fever group Rickettsia spp. (SFGR). Due to the challenge of collecting canine blood samples nationwide to screen for exposure to these pathogens, we took an indirect approach and tested brown dog ticks for molecular evidence of infection. Brown dog ticks (616 adults and 65 nymphs) collected from dogs and cats across the nation were tested by separate PCR assays detecting Babesia spp., E. canis, and SFGR. While no Babesia sp. was found, we identified rickettsial agents in 3.5% (24/681; 95% CI 2.4–5.2%) of the ticks. Pathogens and related organisms detected in ticks included E. canis (n = 1), Rickettsia amblyommatis (n = 3), Rickettsia massiliae (n = 11), Rickettsia monacensis (n = 3), Rickettsia montanensis (n = 5), and an undefined Rickettsia species (n = 1). These data demonstrate a wider geographic distribution of R. massiliae than previously known, and to the authors’ knowledge, reports R. monacensis in brown dog ticks for the first time. Due to the close association that brown dog ticks have with domestic dogs and humans, more research is needed to understand the full array of organisms, some of which are zoonotic, potentially transmitted by this widespread tick complex.     

Babesiosis in Latvian domestic dogs, 2016–2019

Canine babesiosis is tick-borne infection that represents a major veterinary issue in Central and Eastern Europe with a tendency to expand northwards. The first published report in Latvia about autochthonous cases of babesiosis in domestic dogs with no travel history was in 2013, and to the best of our knowledge, no other studies on this issue have been published to date. The aim of this study was to analyze the occurrence and clinical manifestations of babesiosis in Latvian domestic dogs with a history of tick exposure to determine the extent to which Babesia sp. causes the disease and to map outbreaks in Latvia. From 2016 to 2019, blood samples from dogs were collected, and molecular testing was performed by nested PCR using Babesia sp.-specific primers.In total, 43 of 262 samples were Babesia canis-positive. A seasonal pattern was observed for the outbreaks, as the majority of B. canis-positive samples (98%) were submitted between April and June, and there was a single canine babesiosis case recorded in October. Nearly half of the cases (46.5%) were recorded in the capital, Riga, and other cases were recorded in southern and western parts of Latvia. Clinical signs were consistent with typical manifestations of acute canine babesiosis; most common hematological changes were thrombocytopenia (89%) and normocytic normochromic anemia (69%). Blood smear microscopy was positive for 79% of cases. Two B. canis genotypes were distinguished on the basis of two nucleotide (GA → AG) substitutions in the 18S rRNA gene at positions 610/611; however, no relationship between the genotypes and the severity of the disease was found.In conclusion, canine babesiosis has become an endemic disease in the southern and western regions of Latvia and is caused solely by the large babesia species B. canis. Awareness among veterinarians and pet owners regarding the disease should be increased.     

The brown dog tick Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu Roberts, 1965 across Australia: Morphological and molecular identification of R. sanguineus s.l. tropical lineage

The brown dog tick Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Latreille, 1806) is the most widely distributed tick species globally. Throughout the world there are at least two divergent lineages on dogs that are traditionally grouped into what was known as R. sanguineus. The species R. sanguineus was recently redescribed using a neotype reported from countries with a temperate climate. The second lineage distributed in countries with primarily tropical climates is currently designated R. sanguineus s.l. tropical lineage. Here, we present a comprehensive genetic evaluation of Australian brown dog ticks from across the continent that complements the morphological study of R. sanguineus sensu Roberts (1965). A total of 294 ticks were collected from dogs around Australia ― including New South Wales, Queensland, the Northern Territory and Western Australia ― for morphological identification. All ticks were morphologically identified as R. sanguineus sensu Roberts (1965). DNA was isolated from a single leg from morphologically characterised individuals from New South Wales (n = 14), Queensland (n = 18), Northern Territory (n = 7) and Western Australia (n = 13), together with ticks from Fiji (n = 1) and the Seychelles (n = 1) for comparison with Australian ticks. The study revealed three cox1 haplotypes clustered only with R. sanguineus s.l. tropical lineage’. An updated distribution of R. sanguineus sensu Roberts (1965) is compared to the 1965 distribution. In the Australian context, R. sanguineus s.l. has appeared in north-western New South Wales but remains absent from coastal New South Wales. Despite both temperate and tropical climates being present in Australia, only R. sanguineus s.l. tropical lineage was found. The evidence does not support the presence of the strictly defined brown dog tick, R. sanguineus by Nava et al. (2018) in Australia, because the examined ticks are genetically and morphologically distinct. We recommend using the term brown dog tick, R. sanguineus sensu Roberts (1965) for specimens from Australia.     

First molecular detection of Ehrlichia canis and Anaplasma platys in ticks from dogs in Cebu,Philippines

Ehrlichia canis infection of dogs in the Philippines has been detected by serological and peripheral blood smear examination methods, but not by molecular means. Anaplasma platys infection in dogs has not yet been officially reported, although it is suspected to occur in the country. Thus, sensitive and specific molecular techniques were used in this study to demonstrate the presence of both E. canis and A. platys in the Philippines. A total of 164 Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks was collected from 36 dogs. Seven tick samples were found positive with E. canis and one sample with A. platys. To further characterize these pathogens, molecular analyses based on citrate synthase and heat-shock operon genes were also performed. Philippine strains were found to be not divergent from strains from other countries. The present results are the first molecular detection and analyses of E. canis and A. platys in ticks from dogs in the Philippines.     

Tick-borne pathogens in dogs,wild small mammals and their ectoparasites in the semi-arid Caatinga biome,northeastern Brazil

Caatinga is a biome exclusive to the semiarid zone of Brazil, where studies on ticks and tick-borne diseases are scarce. Herein, we investigated the occurrence of Rickettsia, Ehrlichia, and Coxiella in wild mammals, domestic dogs and their ectoparasites using molecular and serological techniques. During 2014–2016, blood samples and ectoparasites were collected from 70 small mammals (51 rodents, 18 marsupials, 1 wild canid) and 147 domestic dogs in three areas of the Caatinga. Through serological analyses of domestic dogs of the three areas, 8 to 11 % were seropositive for Rickettsia rickettsii, 9 to 37 % for Rickettsia amblyommatis, 61 to 75 % for Ehrlichia canis, and 0–5% for Coxiella burnetii. All wild mammals were seronegative for Rickettsia spp. and C. burnetii, except for one rodent (Wiedomys pyrrhorhinos) and one marsupial (Didelphis albiventris) that were seroreactive to C. burnetii, one wild canid (Cerdocyon thous) for R. amblyommatis, and two Rattus rattus for Rickettsia spp. Through PCR targeting DNA of Rickettsia, Ehrlichia or Coxiella, all blood samples were negative, except for the presence of Ehrlichia canis DNA in 8.8 % of the domestic dogs, and a recently reported novel agent, Ehrlichia sp. strain Natal, in one marsupial (Gracilinanus agilis). A total of 222 ticks, 84 fleas, and six lice were collected. Ticks were mostly Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato, some Ixodes loricatus, Ornithodoros rietcorreai, Haemaphysalis sp., and Amblyomma spp.; fleas were Ctenocephalides felis felis, Pulex sp. and Polygenis (Polygenis) bohlsi jordani; and lice were Polyplax sp. and Gyropus sp. Through molecular detection of microorganisms, 9% of C. felis felis contained Rickettsia felis, 20 % of A. auricularium contained R. amblyommatis and 13 % of A. parvum contained ‘Candidatus Rickettsia andeanae’, whereas Ehrlichia canis DNA was detected in at least 6% of the R. sanguineus s.l. from one area. We report a variety of ectoparasites infesting small mammals and domestic dogs in the Caatinga biome, where these ectoparasites probably act as vectors of rickettsiae, ehrlichial agents (E. canis and Ehrlichia sp. strain Natal) and C. burnetii. Our results highlight to the potential risks of human infection by these tick-borne agents in the Caatinga biome.     

Molecular detection and phylogenetic analysis of canine tick-borne pathogens from Korea

Ticks transmit more pathogens than any other arthropod vector and are of paramount veterinary and zoonotic significance. Domestic dogs are an important reservoir of zoonotic agents, particularly because of their close contact with humans. Previous studies in Korea have examined canine tick-borne pathogens (CTBP) by ELISA and real-time PCR methods. However, phylogenetic information on CTBP in Korea is lacking. This study assessed the prevalence, risk factors, and co-infectivity of CTBP such as piroplasms, rickettsiae, Coxiella burnetii, hepatozoa, hemotropic mycoplasmas, and Borrelia spp., using PCR and phylogenetic analyses. Of the 510 dogs tested, three CTBP, including Anaplasma phagocytophilum 16S rRNA (13; 2.6 %), Hepatozoon canis 18S rRNA (2; 0.4 %), and Mycoplasma haemocanis 16S rRNA (1; 0.2 %) were detected. PCR adapted to amplify A. phagocytophilum msp2 and groEL genes generated amplicons thereof in two out of 13 positive dogs. One shelter dog was co-infected with A. phagocytophilum and M. haemocanis. However, Ehrlichia spp., Rickettsia spp., C. burnetii, Borrelia spp., Babesia spp., and Theileria spp. pathogens were not detected. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to undertake a phylogenetic analysis of H. canis and M. haemocanis in dogs reared in Korea. Although previous studies have improved our understanding of evolutionary behaviors and host-pathogen relations of CTBP, additional investigations are required to pin down vectors and reservoirs of CTBP in Korea. A surveillance system for arthropod vectors and CTBP in dogs should be established to monitor pathogen distribution and mitigate pathogen spread proactively, such as with ectoparasite medications in dogs.     

Survey on viral pathogens in wild red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) in Germany with emphasis on parvoviruses and analysis of a DNA sequence from a red fox parvovirus.

The seroprevalence of canine parvovirus (CPV), canine distemper virus (CDV), canine adenovirus (CAV) and canine herpesvirus (CHV) infections in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) was determined in fox sera collected between 1991 and 1995. A total of 500 sera were selected and the seroprevalences were estimated to be 13% (65 of 500 sera) for CPV, 4.4% (17 of 383 sera) for CDV, 35% (17 of 485 sera) for CAV, and 0.4% (2 of 485 sera) for CHV, respectively. No statistically significant differences were observed between the two (rural and suburban) areas under study. Parvovirus DNA sequences were amplified from tissues of free-ranging foxes and compared to those of prototype viruses from dogs and cats. We report here a parvovirus sequence indicative of a true intermediate between the feline panleukopenia virus-like viruses and the canine parvovirus-like viruses. The red fox parvoviral sequence, therefore, appears to represent a link between those viral groups. The DNA sequence together with a significant seroprevalence of parvovirus infections in foxes supports the hypothesis that the sudden emergence of canine parvovirus in the domestic dog population may have involved the interspecies transmission between wild and domestic carnivores.     

Seroprevalence of Anaplasma spp. and Ehrlichia spp. and molecular detection of Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Anaplasma platys in stray dogs in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Stray dogs may be highly exposed to vector-borne pathogens (VBPs), including zoonotic agents, and therefore may pose a high risk of spreading infections to other animals and humans. Among the Anaplasmataceae, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, A. platys and Ehrlichia canis are commonly identified species in dogs in Europe; however, information on the occurrence of these pathogens in canine populations from Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H) is still lacking. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of Anaplasma spp. and Ehrlichia spp. in stray dogs in the Sarajevo region of B&H and to identify A. phagocytophilum, A. platys, E. canis and E. ewingii by molecular techniques. A total of 903 blood samples of stray dogs were screened by SNAP 4Dx Plus Test for the presence of antibodies against A. phagocytophilum/A. platys and E. canis/E. ewingii. Real-time PCR assays were performed for the detection of Anaplasmataceae, A. phagocytophilum, A. platys, E. canis and E. ewingii in seropositive dogs. Antibodies to A. phagocytophilum/A. platys and/or E. canis/E. ewingii were detected in 187 (20.7%) samples. Seroprevalence was highest for A. phagocytophilum/A. platys (184/903, 20.4%). Two dogs had antibodies to E. canis/E. ewingii, while one dog was found to have antibodies to A. phagocytophilum/A. platys and to E. canis/E. ewingii. Forty-eight (25.7%) of the 187 seropositive dogs examined by Real-time PCR were positive for Anaplasmataceae. A. phagocytophilum was detected in 45 (24%) samples, while one sample was positive for A. phagocytophilum and A. platys. Two samples positive for Anaplasmataceae tested negative in the species-specific PCRs. E. canis or E. ewingii could not be detected in any of the Ehrlichia-seropositive dogs. These findings highlight the need for dog health monitoring, improving the health and welfare of stray dog population, and establishment of effective surveillance systems to combat VBDs.     

Elucidating the spread of the emerging canid nematode Angiostrongylus vasorum between Palaearctic and Nearctic ecozones

Angiostrongylus vasorum is an emerging parasite that is currently distributed through Western Europe and parts of South America. An isolated population is also present in Newfoundland, Canada. This presents a risk of onward spread into North America, but its origin is unknown. To ascertain the phylogeographic relationships and genetic diversity of A. vasorum within the western Palaearctic and eastern Nearctic ecozones, a total of 143 adult and larval nematode specimens were collected from foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) in Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, Portugal and the United Kingdom, and a coyote (Canis latrans) in Canada. DNA was extracted and the second internal transcribed spacer and two mitochondrial loci were amplified and sequenced. Multiple haplotypes (n = 35) based on combined mitochondrial sequences (1078 bp) of the partial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI), large subunit ribosomal RNA (rrnL) and the complete nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide dehydrogenase 3 (NADH3) sequences, were observed throughout the Palaearctic countries sampled; however, only a single haplotype was observed for the Canadian A. vasorum population. The likely origin of A. vasorum in Newfoundland is therefore inferred to be within the western Palaearctic. There was no evidence of genetic segregation of parasites in dogs, foxes and coyotes, supporting the hypothesis that transmission occurs between wild and domestic canids. The transmission dynamics and population structure of this nematode are further discussed.     

Molecular survey of tick-borne pathogens reveals a high prevalence and low genetic variability of Hepatozoon canis in free-ranging grey wolves (Canis lupus) in Germany

Wild carnivores are important hosts for ixodid ticks and presumed reservoirs for several tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) of medical and veterinary importance. However, little is known about the role that the European grey wolf (Canis lupus) plays in the enzootic cycle of TBPs. The recent recolonization of Central European lowland, including some regions in Germany, by the grey wolf, opened up an excellent opportunity for studying the impact of the wolf population on pathogen diversity and transmission dynamics. Therefore, in the present study, we investigated spleen samples collected from 276 grey wolves in 11 federal states in Germany for common TBPs by molecular methods. In total, 127 grey wolves (46.0 %) were found to be positive for Hepatozoon canis. Only two genetic variants of this protozoan parasite (herein designated as G1 and G2) were found to circulate among the grey wolves, which can be potentially shared between populations of domestic and other wild carnivores in the country. Two grey wolves were positive for Anaplasma phagocytophilum (0.7 %), and both were co-infected with H. canis G1 genotype. The presence of other pathogens could not be confirmed by PCR and sequencing. This study represents the first one reporting H. canis in a grey wolf population worldwide, and it provides highly relevant information, which may contribute to a better understanding of the epidemiology of TBPs and the pathogen transmission dynamics among the reintroduced population of grey wolves and other carnivores.     

Pathogens in ticks collected in Israel: II. Bacteria and protozoa found in Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato and Rhipicephalus turanicus

Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato and Rhipicephalus turanicus are very prevalent in Israel and are known to be vectors of human and animal diseases. The aim of this study was to identify the pathogens found in questing ticks and such parasitizing domestic and wild animals. Ticks were collected from 16 localities in Israel with the flagging technique and by examining dogs, hedgehogs, a badger and a tortoise. Bacterial and protozoal pathogens were analyzed by PCR and sequencing. Overall, 374 R. sanguineus s.l. specimens were collected, out of which 142 by flagging and 132 from six dogs. Rickettsia africae, Rickettsia massiliae, Rickettsia conorii subsp. israelensis, and Anaplasma sp. were identified in ticks collected by flagging, Rickettsia aeschlimannii was found only in specimens collected from dogs, while Ehrlichia sp., Coxiella burnetii, Hepatozoon canis and Leishmania infantum were recorded in ticks collected by flagging and from dogs. Out of 226 specimens of R. turanicus, 124 were collected by flagging, while additional 33 from eight dogs, 64 from seven southern white-breasted hedgehogs (Erinaceus concolor), two from a European badger (Meles meles) and one from a Greek tortoise (Testudo graeca). Out of 65 R. sanguineus s.l. pools 17 (26.2%) had pathogens, while seven of them were positive for one pathogen, and 10 for two pathogens. In 43 R. turanicus pools, R. aeschlimannii R. africae, Rickettsia barbariae, R. massiliae, Anaplasma sp., Ehrlichia sp. and C. burnetii, as well as Babesia microti, B. vogeli, Hepatozoon felis, and L. infantum was detected, while Listeria monocytogenes, Bartonella sp. and Toxoplasma gondii were negative in all R. sanguineus s.l. and R. turanicus pools examined. In conclusion, Babesia microti is reported for the first time in Israel, R. africae, R. aeschlimannii, C. burnetii and L. infantum are reported for the first time in R. sanguineus s.l. and R. turanicus, while H. felis is reported for the first time from R. turanicus in the country.     

Vector competence of Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu stricto for Anaplasma platys

Anaplasma platys is a Gram-negative, obligate intracellular bacteria that causes canine infectious cyclic thrombocytopenia in dogs. The brown dog tick Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato is presumed to be the vector of A. platys based on the overlap in distribution of R. sanguineus and A. platys infections, detection of A. platys DNA in both flat and engorged field-collected R. sanguineus, and the fact that dogs are primary hosts of both brown dog ticks and A. platys. However, the only study evaluating the vector competence of R. sanguineus for A. platys under controlled laboratory conditions reported an apparent inability of ticks to acquire or maintain the pathogen. In 2016, engorged female Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu stricto ticks were collected off dogs to start a laboratory tick colony. After one generation of colony maintenance on tick-naïve and pathogen-free New Zealand White rabbits, a rabbit used to feed F1 adults seroconverted to Anaplasma phagocytophilum antigen. PCR and subsequent DNA sequencing identified the presence of A. platys in both the adult ticks fed on this rabbit and their resulting F2 progenies. Retrospective testing of all previous (P and F1) life stages of this colony demonstrated that the infection originated from one field-collected A. platys-infected female whose progeny was propagated in the laboratory and produced the PCR-positive F1 adults. Over the following (F2-F4) generations, the prevalence of A. platys in this colony reached 90–100 % indicating highly efficient transovarial and horizontal transmission, as well as transstadial maintenance, of this pathogen by R. sanguineus s.s.     

Comparative genomic analysis of the first Ehrlichia canis detections in Australia

Ehrlichia canis (Rickettsiales; Anaplasmataceae) is one of the most prevalent tick-borne pathogens of dogs globally. The bacterium infects monocytes and is the aetiological agent of canine monocytic ehrlichiosis. For many decades Australia was thought to be free of the pathogen, but this abruptly changed in May 2020 when E. canis was detected in several dogs from Kununurra, Western Australia. Subsequent surveillance activities found unexpectedly large scale spread of E. canis throughout much of northern Australia. To gain insight into the genetic relationships of the Australian strain and its potential origin, we undertook a genomic analysis of E. canis positive domestic dog and tick (Rhipicephalus linnaei) samples from the north of Western Australia, the far north of South Australia and the Northern Territory, covering thousands of square kilometres. We obtained complete E. canis genomes from each of the three states, plus an additional 16 partial genomes, substantially increasing publicly available E. canis genetic resources. The Australian E. canis genomes were highly conserved across large geographic distances. Outside of Australia, the genomes were most similar to E. canis YZ-1 from China, although few reference sequences were available. We analysed the variable trp36 gene to obtain greater phylogenetic signal, which demonstrated that the Australian E. canis belonged to the Taiwan genotype, comprised of samples from Taiwan, China, Thailand and Turkey. Taken together, our findings suggest that E. canis in Australia may have originated from Asia or the Middle East and spread throughout northern and central Australia following its introduction.     

Ticks in the metropolitan area of Berlin,Germany

A high-resolution city map showing the geographic distribution of 12 tick species (Acari: Argasidae, Ixodidae) that have been recorded from the metropolitan area of Berlin, Germany is presented. A total of 237 tick locations was mapped. These include ten ixodid tick species: Dermacentor reticulatus, Haemaphysalis concinna, Hyalomma rufipes, Ixodes ricinus, Ixodes canisuga, Ixodes hexagonus, Ixodes arboricola, Ixodes frontalis, Ixodes trianguliceps and Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato. The two tick species Hy. rufipes and R. sanguineus s.l. are not endemic to Berlin. Hyalomma rufipes ticks are introduced in Europe with migratory birds from Africa every spring. Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.l. are introduced to Central Europe with dogs that had travelled to or were imported from countries where this tick is endemic. In Germany, they are able to develop and reproduce inside heated buildings. Occurrences of two soft tick species, the pigeon tick Argas reflexus and the short-legged bat tick Carios vespertilionis were also mapped. Other tick species that are likely to be endemic to Berlin and its environs, but for which documented findings or geographical coordinates are lacking, are mentioned. These include the long-legged bat tick I. vespertilionis and the marten tick I. rugicollis documented in Brandenburg, the federal state surrounding Berlin. It can be assumed that if appropriate field studies are carried out, these tick species will also be found in the metropolitan area of Berlin. The high-resolution mapping of all tick species found in a city (like Berlin) forms the basis for further investigations into the impact of climate change and changing land use on ticks and tick-borne diseases, precisely in those habitats where most people will live in the future.     

Detection of Leishmania infantum,Babesia canis,and rickettsiae in ticks removed from dogs living in Italy

The aims of this study were to determine natural infections by Anaplasma phagocytophilum/Anaplasma platys, Bartonella henselae, Ehrlichia canis, Leishmania infantum, Rickettsia spp., Babesia spp., and Hepatozoon spp. by molecular methods in ticks (n = 91) removed from dogs with clinical signs and laboratory abnormalities compatible with tick-borne diseases (n = 22) living in Italy and to assess the distribution and species of ticks encountered. Ticks from dogs living in southern Italy were all identified as Rhipicephalus sanguineus (n = 25), ticks from central Italy included Rh. sanguineus (n = 8) and Ixodes ricinus (n = 9), ticks from northern Italy included Rh. sanguineus (n = 45), Dermacentor marginatus (n = 3), and one I. ricinus. Leishmania infantum, Rickettsia spp., and Babesia canis were the only pathogens detected in 7 (8%), 4 (4%), and 2 (2%) out of 91 ticks, respectively. L. infantum was detected in I. ricinus from central Italy and in Rh. sanguineus from northern and central Italy. Rickettsia conorii and Ri. massiliae were detected in Rh. sanguineus ticks from central and southern Italy (Sicily), respectively. Bab. canis was detected in D. marginatus ticks from northern Italy.