Prevalence and Risk Factors of Canine Ticks and Tick-Borne Diseases in Taipei, Taiwan

Abstract

Ticks are vectors of various tick-borne diseases, including ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis, and babesiosis. In this study, 248 dogs were examined using investigator questionnaires and 101 cases were evaluated serologically. The prevalence of ticks in the pet dogs was 2%. Tick infestation is significantly associated with age, lack of ectoparasite preventatives, and outdoor activities. The prevalence rates of Anaplasma phagocytophillium, Ehrlichia canis and Babesia gibsoni were 1.6%, 2.0% and 6.3%, respectively. Development of tick-borne disease correlated with age and tick infestation.