Beware: These serious diseases can be spread by ticks in Hungary

One of the consequences of climate change is that external parasites, such as ticks, are becoming more common because they are able to stay active in nature for longer. There are some dangerous diseases that ticks found in Hungary can spread – read on to find out which ones.

Origo and Pénzcentrum published the words of Dr Róbert Farkas, a professor in the Department of Parasitology and Zoology at the University of Veterinary Medicine. The topic was pathogens carried by ticks on domestic animals in Hungary and the diseases they spread.

Tick-borne diseases

A new study has revealed that several of the ticks collected from dogs in Hungary carry pathogens that are dangerous to animals and humans. They can be infected with pathogens that cause anaplasmosis, babesiosis or Lyme disease when they suck blood, and they can also transmit multiple pathogens to the animal in a short time.

A new study has revealed that

several of the ticks collected from dogs in Hungary carry pathogens that are dangerous to animals and humans alike.

They can be infected with pathogens that cause anaplasmosis, babesiosis or Lyme disease when they suck blood, and they can also transmit multiple pathogens to the animal in a short time.

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Studies

As Origo reports, between 2019 and 2021, MSD Animal Health’s Protect Our Future Too initiative identified and tested 327 ticks collected from 211 dogs and 12 cats to determine the prevalence of different pathogens in these parasites.

“Molecular studies of the ability of ticks to transmit various pathogens are important for identifying potential pathogens for which these external parasites may be vectors,”

said Dr Róbert Farkas.

“This type of monitoring activity provides a lot of valuable information on the epidemiology of tick-borne diseases and helps to develop effective methods to prevent their spread in animal and human populations,”

he added.

“Based on the fact that the pathogen was found in a relatively high percentage of ticks, it is reasonable to think that the risk of anaplasmosis in animals and humans is increasing in Hungary,”

the professor said.

• Read also: Deadly tick discovered in Hungary!

Protection

Dr Róbert Farkas encourages owners to bring their pets for a veterinary check-up and to seek advice for long-lasting and effective parasite control. Fortunately, there are a number of solutions to protect our beloved pets, such as chewable tablets, drip solutions or collars.

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Source: Origo, Pénzcentrum