Abstract

Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks are the most important group of arthropod vectors responsible for transmission of Ehrlichia canis and causing canine ehrlichiosis in dogs. In the present study, 104 ticks were collected from 74 dogs of nine different localities under middle zone of Gujarat state, India. Permanent mounting and species identification under stereoscopic microscope was performed. Forty three (58.11%) of 74 dogs harbored clinical tick infestation. Among dogs with clinical tick infestation, overall prevalence of Rhipicephalus sanguineus was recorded as 76.74%. Dot-ELISA based Immunocomb ® rapid diagnostic kit was used for diagnostic confirmation of canine ehrlichiosis in dogs with Rhipicephalus sanguineus tick infestation. Out of 33 dogs with Ripicephalus sanguineus ticks, 18 (54.55%) dogs were positive for canine ehrlichiosis. Correlation of prevalence of Rhipicephalus sanguineus and occurrence of canine ehrlichiosis in dogs with breed, age and sex of dogs and housing pattern for dogs is reported. Findings provide new insights for further studies on ecology of Rhipicephalus sanguineus in correlation with canine ehrlichiosis in dogs.

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