Veterinary Science & Technology

Prevalence of Ticks and Tick-Borne Diseases in Indonesian Dogs

Abstract

Upik Kesumawati Hadi, Susi Soviana and Ignasius Resa Christanto Pratomo

The brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus) is the most common ectoparasites of dog in the world. The study of ticks infestation and tick-borne diseases on the dog is necessary, because this information still limited in Indonesia. Ticks and dog blood test sampling were done at Animal Police Directorate Security Agency (Baharkam) and Atang Sendjaja Air Force (ATS). In addition, ticks and cases on ticks infestation data were obtained from 21 veterinary clinics in Bogor, Jakarta and Bandung. All ticks samples were preserved in bottles containing 70% alcohol for identification, and dog blood tests performed for Ehrlichiosis, Babesiosis and Anaplasmosis diagnosis. This research was done in March to December 2013. The results showed that all ticks samples collected from Baharkam dogs, ATS dogs and Veterinary Clinics in Bogor, Jakarta and Bandung were identified as one species, i.e., Rhipicephalus sanguineus. The prevalence of dogs infested by ticks were 67.90% in Baharkam 100% in ATS, and the prevalence in 21 Veterinary Clinic in Jakarta, Bogor, and Bandung from 2008-2013 tend to be increased every year. The tick predilections in Baharkam dogs distributed on the back regio (35.0%), the head, ears and neck (29.0%), the legs and the interdigital spaces (14.5%), the abdomen (10.9%) and the tail (10.9%). The tick larvae were found not only in the kennel but also on the grass field of Baharkam which often use for the training of police dogs. These places can be a source of transmission of tick infestation among dogs. The purebred and male dogs in Bogor, Jakarta and Bandung were more infested than the crossbred, local and female dogs. The prevalence of Ehrlichiosis on Baharkam dog was 12%, and 40% from ATS dogs. The results of blood smear examination on Baharkam dogs showed positive Babesia (8%) and Anaplasma (16%). There was no relationship between the degree of tick infestations to E. canis, Babesia and Anaplasma infections (p>0.05).