EVIDENCE OF CANINE VECTOR-BORNE DISEASES IN TWO COUNTIES FROM EASTERN ROMANIA

The canine vector-borne diseases (CVBDs) are an emerging problem in veterinary medicine. The present work investigated the seroprevalence of three pathogens ( Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Borrelia burgdo-feri and Ehrlichia canis) causing vector-borne diseases (VBDs) in dogs from two counties in Eastern Romania. Between March and May 2019, blood samples were collected from 92 dogs originating in Iasi (n=72) and Braila (n=20) counties. All the serum samples were tested using three commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) with the purpose to detect the specific IgG antibodies against Borrelia spp., Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Ehrlichia canis, respectively. Following the ELISA testing, 14 out of 92 tested dogs were identified as seropositive for specific IgG antibodies, of which 6 for Borrelia spp. (6.52%), 5 for Anaplasma phagocytophilum (5.43%) and 3 for Ehrlichia canis (3.26%). Simultaneous detection of IgG antibodies against two pathogens was noticed in four dogs. Our results highlight that veterinarians should be aware of the existence of canine VBD pathogens and should inform pet owners to take measures to protect their pets from vector-borne diseases using prophylactic treatments. Also,veterinarians should advise wherever appropriate undertaking diagnostic tests to establish the health status in order to provide the best possible treatment.