Babesiosis in Dogs

Article published March 2016

The UK's first outbreak of canine babesiosis was confirmed after four dogs contracted the disease from ticks in the same area of Harlow, Essex. None of the dogs had any history of foreign travel, and one of the dogs subsequently died.

What is babesiosis?

Babesiosis is an infection caused by a single-celled parasite called Babesia.

The parasite infects the red blood cells. The dog's body then attacks the infected cells, which can cause severe anaemia.

In serious cases, the dog may not have enough red blood cells to carry sufficient oxygen around the body and to the brain. The disease can be life-threatening, particularly if treatment or a necessary blood transfusion is not provided in time.

How is it spread?

The infection is spread by ticks. The tick typically needs to remain attached to the dog for more than 24 hours in order to transmit the disease.

Possible symptoms

Symptoms can vary, but may include:

• Lethargy
• Weakness
• Pale gums
• Jaundice
• Red or brown urine
• Fever

Diagnosis may be made by examining the dog's blood under a microscope or by using specialised genetic tests to detect the presence of the parasite.

Reducing the risk

Dog owners should use an appropriate veterinary-recommended tick treatment and check their dogs regularly, particularly after walks in areas where ticks may be present.

Any tick should be removed correctly and as soon as possible. If you are unsure how to remove a tick safely, ask your veterinary surgeon for advice.

Can humans or other pets catch it?

Humans can contract some forms of babesiosis through the bite of an infected tick. However, the strain affecting dogs, Babesia canis, is not thought to present a risk to human health.

Other pet species, including cats, are not thought to be at risk from this particular species of the Babesia parasite.