Dog owners are being urged to ensure their pets are up to date with their flea and tick treatment, after the parasite Babesia gibsoni was detected in a dog in the Canterbury region.
Biosecurity New Zealand said Babesia gibsoni is widespread around the rest of the world, including Australia, but this is the first case discovered in a New Zealand-bred dog.
It can cause the disease babesiosis, which is not present in New Zealand. Most dogs will experience only mild symptoms, if any, but the disease can be severe in some cases.
“The parasite is often transmitted by ticks, so we are encouraging dog owners to make sure their dogs are up to date with their flea and tick treatment,” said Biosecurity New Zealand’s chief veterinary officer, Dr Mary van Andel.
“Along with ticks, the parasite can also be spread through dog bites, blood transfusion and through the placenta from an infected mother to her pups. In countries where Babesia gibsoni is widespread, the focus is on preventing infection by treating dogs with tick treatments or combined with flea treatments, and limiting fighting behaviour.”
Van Andel said dog owners shouldn’t be alarmed. At this stage there was just one case in the country and they are working to determine whether this is an isolated case and where it came from.
Overseas, the parasite is often found in a select group of dog breeds – pit bull terriers, Staffordshire bull terriers and greyhounds are the most commonly affected breeds.
Dogs without symptoms or that have recovered from infection often reach a balance where their immune system suppresses the parasite. However, this means they may still spread the parasite and may develop disease if they become immune compromised.
Biosecurity NZ is working closely with the owners of the infected dog to identify other dogs she has been in contact with so they can be tested. The affected dog was euthanised at its owners’ request due to it being extremely unwell.
Van Andel said vets are asked to contact Biosecurity NZ if they come across suspected cases of Babesia gibsoni. If dog owners are concerned about their pets’ health, their first port of call should be their veterinarian.
Further information about Babesia gibsoni can be found on the Ministry for Primary Industries website.
