Babesiosis has long been a disease seen in southern Europe, Asia and Africa.
Until recently it has only been diagnosed in dogs returning to the UK from abroad.
Recently there has been a localised outbreak in Houslow in Essex prompting concerns that this may spread further through the country.
Babesia is spread most commonly by ticks, but also occasionally in dog bites and blood transfusions.
Babesia are protozoan parasites that attack red blood cells of dogs causing them to breakdown (haemolysis) and this releases haemaglobin.
This results in anaemia and jaundice.
The incubation period is about two weeks.
Dogs affected in this country are usually very ill with a high fever, lethargy, weakness, red urine and anaemia and often collapse.
This can later lead to organ failure.
We already recognise a similar disease called Autoimmune Haemalytic Anaemia (AIHA) which we diagnose on blood smear.
Babesia often induces AIHT, so in future we will need to differentiate between these diseases.
Babesia can be quickly diagnosed on blood tests.
There are PCR tests available that detect the presence of Babesia DNA as well as often being visible on blood smear.
Most ticks in Europe are Babesia canis and will respond to treatment with imidocarb dipropionate and will recover over several weeks if treated early.
Some treated dogs can go on to be carriers for the disease and get a more chronic form of the disease later on.
Many dogs will need hospitalisation and some may require blood transfusions and other fluid therapies.
This disease is still extremly rare and localised in the UK.
There have been no reported cases in Lincolnshire.
The best control is to treat for ticks. Killing the ticks in the first 24 to 48 hours after getting on the dog dramatically reduces the chance of contracting the disease as well as reducing the spread.
There are several good products on the market that can achieve this.
Speak to your local vet for more information.
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