Canine and feline vector-borne diseases

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Canine and feline vector-borne diseases in Italy:

current situation and,perspectives.

 

Parasit Vectors. 2010 Jan 11;3:2.

 

Canine and feline vector-borne diseases in Italy: current

situation and perspectives.

 

Otranto D, Dantas-Torres F.

 

Dipartimento di Sanita Pubblica e Zootecnia, Facolta di Medicina

Veterinaria, Universita degli Studi di Bari, 70010 Valenzano,

Bari, Italy.

 

In Italy, dogs and cats are at risk of becoming infected by

different vector-borne pathogens, including protozoa, bacteria,

and helminths. Ticks, fleas, phlebotomine sand flies, and

mosquitoes are recognized vectors of pathogens affecting cats and

dogs, some of which (e.g., Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Borrelia

burgdorferi, Dipylidium caninum, Leishmania infantum, Dirofilaria

immitis, and Dirofilaria repens) are of zoonotic concern. Recent

studies have highlighted the potential of fleas as vectors of

pathogens of zoonotic relevance (e.g., Rickettsia felis) in this

country. While some arthropod vectors (e.g., ticks and fleas) are

present in certain Italian regions throughout the year, others

(e.g., phlebotomine sand flies) are most active during the summer

season. Accordingly, control strategies, such as those relying on

the systematic use of acaricides and insecticides, should be

planned on the basis of the ecology of both vectors and pathogens

in different geographical areas in order to improve their

effectiveness in reducing the risk of infection by vector-borne

pathogens. This article reviews the current situation and

perspectives of canine and feline vector-borne diseases in Italy.

 

http://eutils.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pu

bmed & id=20145730 & retmode=ref & cmd=prlinks

PMID: 20145730 [PubMed]