2016 ACVIM Forum Research Abstract Program

In Belgrade area, B. canis and A. phagocytophilum are the most prevalent vector-borne pathogens in apparently healthy outdoor dog population, while B. canis and Dirofilaria sp. are the most important pathogens among sick pet dogs. The island of St. Kitts (West Indies) has a large feral and semiferal dog population. Semi-feral dogs present a unique opportunity for study since they are mostly outdoors but are comparatively well taken care of compared to feral dogs. Care tends to range from minimal to adequate, though many owners use the Ministry of Agriculture Veterinary Services for preventative medicine rather than a veterinary hospital setting. Historically, dogs on the island are endemically infected and infested with internal and ectoparasites, which are also associated with a number of vector-borne diseases. Due to the high prevalence of the vector Rhipicephalus sanguineus, it is not unusual to see high prevalence of Ehrlichia canis and Anaplasma platys. Samples collected from an island-wide field study from last year revealed an abundance of serologic data. These samples have been further tested utilizing a research-based serology platform (IDEXX Laboratories) and additional canine vector-borne infections data has been collected from these analyses.