Canine Babesiosis in South Africa

Abstract

Canine babesiosis is a globally important parasitic disease in dogs. The main causative agents are B. canis which occurs predominantly in Europe, B. vogeli, and B. rossi, both of which occur in South Africa. In South Africa, 10% of the incoming patients in small animal clinics are infected with predominantly B. rossi, which is the most virulent and pathogenic of the canine babesia species. Haemaphysalis elliptica is the tick vector for B. rossi. Diagnosis of canine babesiosis is made typically by evaluating a blood smear taken from peripheral blood in conjunction with clinical signs. Most common clinical signs include lethargy, fever and pale mucous membranes.