Vector-borne parasites in dogs from Ukraine translocated to Poland following Russian invasion in 2022
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Published:2023-11-21
Issue:1
Volume:16
Page:
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ISSN:1756-3305
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Container-title:Parasites & Vectors
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language:en
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Short-container-title:Parasites Vectors
Author:
Bajer Anna,Alsarraf Mustafa,Topolnytska Mariia,Tołkacz Katarzyna,Dwużnik-Szarek Dorota,Rodo Anna
Abstract
Abstract
Introduction
Since 24 February 2022, the day the Russian aggression against Ukraine began, millions of refugees and thousands of pets crossed the Polish-Ukrainian border. Additionally, an unknown number of shelter and stray dogs and cats were rescued and translocated to Poland by private persons and non-profit organizations. The aim of the present study was to examine rescued dogs and cats for presence of canine vector-borne parasites to determine the role of armed conflict in spreading these parasites.
Methods
In July 2022 blood samples were collected from two animal shelters in central Poland hosting dogs and cats rescued from Ukraine. Animals were imported from various regions of Ukraine, including eastern and southeastern Ukraine (military conflict area). Fifty-three dogs (51 from two shelters and two owned ones) and one shelter cat were examined by molecular methods (PCR and sequencing) for the presence of Babesia/Theileria spp., Dirofilaria spp. and Hepatozoon spp. DNA.
Results
We detected Dirofilaria immitis, a parasite species non-endemic in Poland, in two dogs translocated from Ukraine (2/53 = 3.8% [95% CI 0.5–13.0%]). One dog had a history of previous heartworm infection. High prevalence of Hepatozoon canis (51% [95% CI 36.8–64.9%]) was noted among translocated dogs. Prevalence of Dirofilaria repens in Ukrainian dogs (18.9% [95% CI 9.4–32.0%) was similar to prevalence in dogs from central Poland (12%). Co-infection of D. repens and D. immitis was found in two dogs and six dogs were co-infected by D. repens and H. canis. Hepatozoon canis infection was also identified in an imported cat.
Conclusion
We confirmed that this military conflict has facilitated the spread of canine vector-borne parasites, including zoonotic species.
Graphical Abstract
Funder
Narodowe Centrum Nauki
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Subject
Infectious Diseases,Parasitology,General Veterinary
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