Dog owners urged to check pets for ticks

• Published date: 15 April 2024
• Publication title: Bush Telegraph

The organisation is working closely with the infected dog’s owners to identify other dogs she had been in contact with, so they can be tested

The affected dog was euthanised at its owners’ request, due to it being extremely unwell.

Biosecurity NZ’s chief veterinary officer Dr Mary van Andel said the parasite is often transmitted by ticks.

Babesia gibsoni is widespread around the rest of the world, including Australia, but this is the first case in a NZ-bred dog.

It can cause the disease babesiosis, which is not present in NZ. Most dogs will only experience mild symptoms, if any, but the disease can be severe in some cases.

“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,” van Andel said.

“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.”

She said dog owners shouldn’t be alarmed. “At this stage we are aware of just one case of Babesia gibsoni in NZ. We are working hard 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...