Babesiosis: infected ticks found in Essex
The area where the ticks were discovered is a common route for dog walkers. (stock photo)
A tick survey in Essex has found evidence of an infected tick population that could be responsible for four recent cases of babesiosis in dogs with no history of travel outside the UK.
The discovery was reported in the Veterinary Record letters (Vol 178 No 13) by Public Health England, Forest Veterinary Centre and the Animal and Plant Health Agency.
Out of 17 ticks collected from a cycle path in central Harlow, 14 tested positive for Babesia by PCR, while a subset were confirmed as B canis by sequencing. All ticks collected were identified as the D reticulatus species.
'This provides evidence that there is an infected population of D reticulatus present that could be responsible for the cases of canine babesiosis reported in this area,' authors of the report wrote.
The area where the ticks were discovered - close to a car park next to Third Avenue and Abercrombie Way - is a common route for dog walkers. A barrier is being constructed and signs will be posted in the area to educate owners about the risks.
Dog owners who exercise their dogs in and around the area are advised to keep away from the location the ticks were found and speak to their veterinary surgeon about tick treatments.
Vets in the area are also being told to be aware of the possibility of babesiosis in dogs presenting without a history of travel.
Whilst this appears to be a localised issue, experts warned the ticks may be present in other parts of Essex and neighbouring counties that have not yet been detected.
D reticulatus are not widespread in the UK and the four recent cases, one of which was fatal, once again triggered debate on the risk of disease entering the UK owing to the relaxation of pet travel laws.
Writing in the latest Vet Record letters (Vol 178 No 14), Professor the Lord Trees and Anthony Ridge said the cases were 'not a surprise' as increasing the ease with which pets can travel comes with a price; 'and that price is a reduction in biosecurity'.
'We must all be concerned that we are witnessing the emergence of a new and pathogenic endemic canon infection,' they continued.
Vets who remove ticks they suspect are D reticulatus are asked to send them to Public Health England's Tick Surveillance Scheme. For more information visit: www.gov.uk/guidance/tick-recording-scheme
Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.
